EVERY DAY HAS ITS CHALLENGES , and a lifetime brings more trials than we can possibly recall in a few moments of reflection. Job, a man who suffered many trials, notes that “man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” (Job 5:7) Each of our struggles works its way through our day and life, and with them certain changes are brought and wrought. As we deal with such challenges, we not only deal with each issue but also inexorably incorporate the struggle into our past patterns, our present realities, and our future possibilities.
Some of the transformations integrated into the course of self and life are pleasant, but many are not; some of the changes find us wondering how to possibly face another trial—we grow weary, and faint of heart, and desperately seek a place of respite, comfort, and refreshing. Jesus teaches us about the necessity for objectivity as we contend with our anxieties. “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt. 6:34) Isaiah’s prophecy includes a Messianic hope, saying “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” (Isa. 40:30-31)
The trials, however, come as regularly as each new day. And, for some, the days seem not so much new as just more of an endless succession of days without release from the cares that bind the heart to anxiety, the mind to neurosis, and the body to vague illnesses. The load is heavier than the strength to carry it.
The underlying issue in this is whether or not we keep our focus upon God. James speaks of the “double-minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:8), saying that he “is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23b-24) This aptly describes a heart condition that afflicts far too many who struggle to follow Christ. In a heart that is confused there is a sincere desire to follow Christ, yet at the same time to seek something out of the world or past experiences from being in the world to deal with the current trial. Jesus promises us focus and rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30) The burden is made heavy as we seek and begin to understand God’s provision, but refuse to take the steps that he places before us—steps that lead to a single-minded purpose with an intentional beneficial outcome.
When a difficult circumstance leads to either temptation or trial, it does so because of an underlying condition of double-mindedness. We are people born into a sin nature, but reborn into a new nature. The man of sin sees only temptation, and readily engages it; he cannot help but do so, for it is his basic nature. Paul says of such a man, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness.” (1 Cor. 2:14a) The double-minded man is confused by the nuanced complexities that the circumstance poses him; his old nature and his new nature constantly battle for dominance.
Paul tells us that we are “transformed by the renewing of our mind.” (Rom. 12:2b) The committed Christ-follower simply—single-mindedly—perceives another trial for which God has already given the answer; his new nature rests in the knowledge that this, like the ones before it, will make him resilient. James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)
How can we possibly consider the burdens that come with trials to be joys? This is a question we must answer rightly if we are to survive the day, the trial, and indeed life itself. The question itself is wrong, but we must start somewhere. The question is fallacious, because it arises from the heart of the double-minded person—but at least the question is being asked. The question is disturbing, because it emerges from the chaos simmering at the center of our life, a space within us which should be the rightful sanctuary of the “Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6b)
The burdens become joys when our trust in God is complete, not in spite of them, but because of them. Paul experienced this, and encouraged us to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18)
Persevering faith comes from a resting faith; a resting faith comes from believing fully in the finished work of Jesus Christ, whose death on the cross was so “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16b) This faith must live daily on the cross where Christ died. And so, in the battleground of our minds “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5)
Q. How do I protect my mind from doubt?
*Who Am I?
I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.
Half the things you do you might just as well turn over to me,
and I will be able to do them quickly, correctly.
I am easily managed – you must merely be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done,
and after a few lessons I will do it automatically.
I am the servant of all great people; and alas,
of all failures as well.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.
I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision ofa machine plus the intelligence of a human being.
You may run me for a profit or turn me towards ruin
– it makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me,
and I will place the world at your feet.
Be easy with me and I will destroy you.
Who am I?
I AM HABIT!
*Sean Covey, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” – 1990.
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