Problem Solver
5 min read
16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
17 You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
— Psalm 59:16-17
More and more, I am learning to be still and trust in the Lord for deliverance from troubles. This lesson is difficult, because, like the poor, we will always have troubles with us. And also, the world trains us and pushes us from birth to face our problems head on and solve them. Furthermore, the world rewards people who “take control” of situations and “get things done.”
But I have found that the more I try to face troubles head on, the more the troubles increase. It’s like that children’s story of a kingdom trying to control a mouse problem, so they ship in a bunch of cats. No more mouse problem. But now they have a cat problem, so they ship in a bunch of dogs. No more cat problem. But now they have a dog problem, so they ship in a bunch of lions. No more dog problem. But now they have a lion problem, so they ship in a bunch of elephants. No more lion problem. But now they have an elephant problem, so they ship in a bunch of … mice.
I’ve learned (and am still learning) that when I am still and lift up my troubles to the Lord, He resolves my troubles without my lifting a finger. All I have to do is to lift my heart and my voice to God in prayer and praise and then to exercise patience.
Of course, this does not mean that I should sit around and do nothing about anything. I am also learning that wisdom is understanding what things that God has given me to exercise control over and what things God wants me to relinquish control of. That is not an easy lesson, either.
But when it comes to the “taking control” of matters, we should first consult the word of God before we take even one step or lift one finger. Because this world values and prioritizes problem solving, really, for the euphoria of solving a problem. But the word of God values and prioritizes relationships and communities being built up in love for the sake of witness and for the sake of glorifying God (Ephesians 4:11-16).
God can solve any problem in this world, but He leaves it up to us to love our neighbors as ourselves. The fruit of the Spirit is not skillful problem solving, but love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
More and more, I am learning that there is no problem in this life that cannot be resolved by the fruit of the Spirit.
Father, Your ways are not our ways, nor Your thoughts our thoughts. Your ways are high above, and our thoughts are in the dirt. So help me to understand and follow after Your ways. There are many troubles in this life. Give me strength, peace, joy, and wisdom in the midst of these troubles—for myself, my family, and this Canvas family, as well. In Jesus’s name. Amen.