Why Am I So Uncomfortable?

The biblical story of Joseph presents a cycle of highs and lows in his life. Although he came from a dysfunctional family, he had dreams of being elevated to a high position, but he went through times in a pit and a prison. But despite these situations he diligently worked with what he had, remained steadfast and as a result received positions of leadership. Like Joseph our lives move at the rhythm of a metronome. We have highs and lows, mountaintop, and valley experiences. Our valleys may consist of difficult circumstances, confusion, physical, mental, or emotional illness or any number of other situations. For as much as God loves us, we are not promised a problem-free life. God is looking for people who are steadfast, immovable, and unwavering even in the midst of an uncomfortable world. Sometimes we must learn to make our home in the chaos of discomfort and not allow apathy or indifference to set in such that we lose our fight and give up. Nor should we become so exasperated that in our own wisdom we look for loopholes to give us reprieve from our discomfort or quick fixes to totally eject us out of the situation. Instead we must hang in there, believing God has a greater purpose and that in time He will work things out for our good. No matter what comes, we must strive to live deliberately and keep a steadfast spirit even amid our lows. We can do this by practicing the spiritual disciplines of fasting, prayer and meditating on the Word, and by focusing on what is within our power to control and trusting God to do the rest.