Sink or Swim

Life is hard. We all have our struggles. Reading Psalm 71 this morning, I feel like David.

‘And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.  ‘
Psalms 71:9

My employer recently reduced its workforce and fired about 1% of the people in my department. And we don’t know how many more will be let go. I’m 55, have kids at home, a farm mortgage, and I’m wondering what I should do. I thought I would retire at my current job. But now, I feel like I’m on a sinking ship and need to start swimming towards land. I used to feel like I should stay on the boat, as Paul did in Acts 27.

But now I’m thinking that’s just the easier choice. I wonder if I’ve made an idol out of an easy life. Sometimes, I’ll daydream about winning it big in the lottery. About how much easier life would be if we had truckloads of money. What a useless activity.

‘Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead. ‘
Ecclesiastes 5:7

Yesterday’s readings were about being strong and courageous. Life is hard; we all have our struggles. But we are united with Christ in Heaven. We’ve already hit the spiritual lottery. I need to trust the Holy Spirit, be strong and courageous, and start swimming towards the Rock.