Perplexed is a word I have grown to savor in recent years. No day is like another, no child is like his sibling, no marriage mirrors its neighbor. And beyond my own orb of experiences, God’s larger, ever-incomprehensible purposes often leave me very perplexed.
But as the words of Paul affirm with gusto, “we are perplexed but not despairing” (2 Corinthians 4:8) I liked discovering that pairing of words. Being perplexed is quite normal and to be expected in this life. But because I belong to Christ despair is not my destiny! I can be perplexed and hopeful at the same time knowing Who has a beautiful ending planned for all that is wrong.
We belong to a God who lives perpetually to advocate for us (Hebrews 7:25); who has scrawled His signature on the check for our freedom; who has promised to unfailingly hand us our daily bread. Because these facts are eternally true, our lack of understanding leads not to despair but to rest.
It is an amazing grace that He knows what I need in each perplexing encounter. When I awake He knows my day from sunrise to sunrise. He can expertly supply manna for every moment I don’t see.
Greet the “unforeseen and unexpected incidents” of your station in life with confidence that the Bread of Life Himself will unswervingly satisfy your soul.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
As I watch my mom of ninety-four struggle with dementia I am so perplexed. It is so hard to bare this burden. At the same time I know He is with us and drawing us closer to Him.
I choose His comfort over despair.
Thank you for sharing! As a young mom, I realized how quickly I teeter into despair when things don’t go as planned (which is often with young kids!). This post really hit home. I am trying to better understand what this looks like in day-to-day life.
I like that–perplexed but not in despair. Lots of great thoughts that remind me of who is in charge. I can trust Him. Thanks Barbara.
Your words resonated within me about being perplexed, but not despairing. How wonderful despite the circumstances of life that we have a hope that will never disappoint! He will always provide for us in our need and we can depend upon The Bread of Life to minister to us in our deepest needs. Thank you for your words of wisdom.
I was so blessed by this and I loved the poem. Thank God that He is with us through all of our perplexities.