October 5: Faith as a Compass
- Scriptural: Hebrews 11:1 — “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
- Reflection: Humans like to plan and dream. We want to be in charge, to control our own fate, to set goals and work toward them. We cope better when we have a timeline, and a roadmap, especially in times of change, that gets us from here and now to whatever comes next. We want to know there’s a way forward, and how to proceed.
We rely on tangible evidence. Assuredly, God works through events, people. and circumstances to connect with us and support us. Yet part of our relationship to Holy Love is to trust in the aspects of life, reality, and God that we cannot see, touch, or influence directly.
As the familiar saying goes, “If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans.” This is actually based on an older Yiddish saying, “We plan, God laughs.” Sometimes we need to step back, acknowledge that we’re not fully in control of the world and all the circumstances we encounter.
Instead, what we can control, usually, is how we respond. We might react (initially) with flight, fright, or fight responses. We might run from surprises and changes, we might feel overwhelmed and helpless and frozen in place, or we might confront and challenge toward the cause of stress and change. Eventually, ideally, the more objective parts of our minds kick in, and provide a more balanced response. Along the way, God becomes present to us in the strengths and assets we discover, through resources and relationships and inner characteristics, to cope with change and challenge.
Meanwhile, always use prayer as a way to reach for that deeper, intrinsic connection to God. Holy Love provides the essential ‘tools’ we need to survive and thrive. God listens and answers us. So many of the ways that we manage transition come from the unseen parts of our resources and relationships: our inner wellbeing, our emotional resilience, our psychological balance, our spiritual connection, as well as our community and network of relationships. God works through such aspects of our lives.
We are assured that God abides with us, as the Spirit, during all experiences: difficult situations, wonderful times, alarming events, and positive ones. - Spiritual Practice: Create a small faith anchor—an object or symbol that reminds you of God’s promise. Carry it with you as a sign of trust.
Song:
- “You Say” by Lauren Daigle: https://youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI?si=Ol90K0xUa-7KuILa
Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. — Helen Keller
Oct 5 Daily Devotional