Heard two sentences today that really caused me to do some deep pondering. The first one I heard on a movie — “Life’s a big stinking mess but that’s the beauty of it.” The second sentence I’m saving for another day. Okay, I agree that life can be a stinking mess. So what clarifies as a mess in life? We all have chaotic and difficult times in our lives but we have the choice to decide if “our mess” is acceptable or if we need to metaphorically clean it up. Tough times make us stronger. Look for the message in your mess.

We all have different paths in our lives but we get to choose the direction we go. When the sun shines on us life is beautiful. When a storm comes, life can be bleak, but another day cycles and given time, the sunshine will again brighten the day. Life is really simple. It’s not complicated but we make it that way sometimes with our choices. That’s the beauty of life — each day is a gift. And every day we get to start with a fresh slate.

I think if we live our days with faith, hope, and perseverance we can weather any challenges and storms that come our way. Being committed to live a prayerful life can be such a comfort when trials come. Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we have every day worries and anxiety, we can take these worries to God in prayer, putting our burdens on his shoulders. He will ease our minds and give us peace. Romans 15:13 reads, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”

Hope is such a glorious gift. Sometimes when the storms are heavy and dark, the hope of tomorrow filled with God’s light is all we have to grasp. God will never abandon us. Psalm 9:9 reads, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Never be afraid to call out for God or to reach for his loving hands. God will give us the desire to keep walking and the strength to endure the trials of life. We don’t know what tomorrow may bring. Romans 9:9 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Our hope rests on our belief that we can trust in God to fulfill his promises. Even when we can’t see the end of our journey, God lights the way with the strength and endurance of his Holy Light. We never travel God’s path alone.

God shows us how to persevere as he puts challenges in our lives. Perseverance is doing something despite difficulty or delay. God never said life would be easy but he promises to help us through the struggles. Philippians 4:13 reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Our faith in the Lord and our prayerful requests give us strength to overcome any challenge. Joshua 1:9 reads, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

God wants us to walk down the path he’s planned. It won’t be an easy journey and we’ll have dark days that dim the sun and days that rainbows blind us. Each step we take, God will be right beside if we put our trust in him. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Second Corinthians 5:7 tells us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Bible scripture says Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Find your path with God and walk into his heavenly light.

“Walking with God doesn’t lead to God’s favor; God’s favor leads to walking with God.” — Tullian Tchividjian