Week Eleven
Trusting God With the “If Onlys”
If Only "If only" is a dangerous thing. It lets us dwell on the past. It makes us think what should have been. We don't see the things that last. "If only" can be in the present Or our future we want to control. Leave all "if onlys" to the Lord. He sees not in part, but the whole. Things that last are things forever. God's Word is always there. It tells us He has planned our lives. In His keeping, we see His care. He cares for us as we trust in Him, In His miracles and deeds. We will then grow in faith And God will meet our needs. So remember who our God is And what He has done for you. When "if onlys" fill your heart and mind, Meditate on what is true. God is in complete control. His character is holy and great. He wants us to see His love, And He helps us to wait. In the end, we will realize His grace has seen us through. We don't see in part, but the whole, And we clearly know what's true.
“If only” means we wish things could be different. We use it to talk about past, present and future unreal conditions. Past: “If only I had listened to my parents.” Present: “If only I were taller.” Future: “If only I could win the lottery.” What are your “if onlys?” We all have them. Learning to be content is not easy when we dwell on the things we cannot change. We shift our faith from God to our regrets. That takes away our hope and our joy.
“You will show me the paths of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
If we are to find contentment the midst of trials and uncertainty, we must accept our situation as being purposely allowed into our lives by a personal and loving God.
“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
The Israelites complained to Moses in the wilderness, “if only we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!” Numbers 20:3. They were ready to return to Egypt where there was water. They had many regrets but could not change anything, only God could. They had lost sight of God’s faithfulness. Our faith is a serious matter with God. He wants us to trust Him in all of our situations.
“I will remember the deed of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your might deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples. With Your mighty arm You redeemed Your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph”. Psalm 77:11-15
Study God’s Word and you will learn about His comfort and mighty love for you. This will calm your anxious heart.
