Don't Slip on the Ice

Good Morning,

The day of this writing is a cold, snowy, icy one here in Colorado.  The roads are slippery and there are many wrecks around town.  A friend of mine described his journey to work as driving on an ice rink. 

Sometimes life seems like it’s lived on an ice rink. It can be hard to gain traction.  Many people are filled with anxiety and find forward movement difficult, especially during the holidays.  Worry is not a new problem, although it does seem that it is impacting more and more young people along with those of us who are “seasoned”. There is worry about the past, the future, relationships, decisions we have made, mistakes that seek to derail us, and doubts that we can have a fulfilling life.  The Psalmist speaks to this with some comforting words in Ps. 94:18-19:

Next to these words in my bible I wrote the word “Awesome”.  The truth in them brings hope in the midst of despair, courage in the face of fear, and confidence in the presence of doubt.  And notice that none of these things depend on us or our efforts.  They are a gift from The Almighty.  They flow not from His actions, but from His very nature and character.

When I said, “My foot is slipping”, your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Two words of particular importance: Love – love is something God IS.  He cannot, not love you.  His presence surrounds you like a warm blanket on a frigid day.  His pursuit of you is relentless.  The second word is consolation. The dictionary defines consolation as alleviating sorrow, grief or disappointment; giving solace and comfort.  That is what God does for us. According to verse 19 He not only helps us “get by”, he turns our outlook to one of joy.

God is not just content to help you manage the ice rink of life and get you through.  He loves you more than that.  He wants to turn your sorrows into joy, your mourning into dancing, and your tomorrows into hope-filled, God-lead adventures. Read those words again. They are truth that can change your today, tomorrow and forever.

Sit this morning and bask in the love and consolation of our awe-inspiring God. He will provide the traction for the steps you need to take today – and do it again tomorrow.

Live this week on purpose,
Ron Klopfenstein