When Life Puzzles Us

There were only a few slots left in this jigsaw puzzle (first photo) where the last few pieces might fit. But they didn't! It was puzzling. And frustrating. This happened once before with another jigsaw puzzle, and it turned out two identically shaped pieces were in the wrong slots. Hmmmm.

I feel as though life right now is like this puzzle. I feel unsettled. I worry about this and that–health, aging, the world situation. Yet, hey, I’m a Christian and I should not feel this way. Right? Christians know God is on His throne, so all is well.

Well, today I’m unsettled, so I consider how to approach my problem.

I will ask my two Friends of the Heart to pray for me. My problems seem miniscule compared to the problems in the world. There are thousands upon thousands of people trying to leave Ukraine because of war, and they’re stuck in lines or shelters, on foot or in cars.

Here I am. A dot in the grand scheme of things. One little person. But author Sarah Young in MORNINGS WITH JESUS reminds me God cares–even about little dots. Jesus invites us to bring Him our problems and consider them an opportunity to trust Him more. So I will ask my friends to pray for me.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God” (Philippians 1:4 NIV).

I will focus on today, rather than worry about tomorrow. Life is so surprising. When I think back over the things I’ve worried about, I realize how useless worry is. It does not change a thing. And most things never happened. Yet I do need to be concerned enough to deal with some things. God has helped me in the past when puzzling things happened, so I must distinguish between problems to deal with and those to leave in God’s Hands.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).

I will read God’s Word. I sometimes find it hard to find a personal message in Old Testament passages about laws and rituals and wars. But I keep looking, and there’s always something there to apply to my life. So I will keep reading.

“How sweet are your words . . . sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103).

 And I will keep on praying. Prayer usually settles my heart. As I bring my needs and the needs of others before the Lord, I can see that my needs are small. I know God will be faithful one way or another.

 "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

 Just this morning as Kim and I wound up a conversation about the world situation, she said, “We will keep our noses in the scripture, our prayers going up, and we’ll keep on walkin’.”

 Amen to that. I feel better already. And as you can see, the puzzle pieces finally fell into place– although one final piece is nowhere to be found. I will keep on lookin’.