But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.  Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV
 

Alert the media.  It is official.  Life, indeed, is not fair.  Make the t-shirt and license the motto.  There is no more uncertainty.  If life were truly fair, we would suffer much more for our failures than we do.

 
Lord, thank you for taking on my debts and suffering for my wrongs so I don’t have to.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm 62:7 NIV
 

Dependence is an interesting concept.  We depend on food to survive, but the type of food we need to consume to survive is still under debate.  We depend on oxygen to live but the air we breathe is not only full of oxygen but also other impurities, so we have adapted to the less than pure oxygen.  We depend on water, and clean water is best but clean is relative and we can function a day or two without water.  Because we are human and tend to group ideas into the same constructs, we unfortunately see God as the same way as food, or oxygen or water.  We understand the dependence on God but like food, we choose “what type of God we want”.  Like oxygen, we have learned to be content with less than a pure understanding of God and what he truly is.  And like water, we feel we can “go without Him for a while” and still function properly.


Lord, I need food, I need water, I need oxygen and I need You always.

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV


You may not think that things are going very well for you right now but that is why we have faith in God. God has a plan. A perfect plan. The plan does not guarantee that life will always be easy or fun or comfortable. But he does guarantee that it will be wonderful and provide blessings that are beyond our imagination.


Lord, thank you for seeing the big picture and help me to have that vision as well.

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,  Philippians 1:29 NIV
 

“My life is so hard”.  Really?  Roof over our head.  Food in the stomach.  Family and friends who love us.  Low probability of physical harm.  No probability of being crucified on a cross any time soon.

 
Lord, thank you for Your sacrifice for me and help me show my gratitude by sacrificing at least occasionally for You.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV


It isn’t a suggestion. It isn’t something that God recommends for us to do and it is up to us. God commands us to realize that He is with us at all times and in all situations and because He is with us and brings along all of His strength and power, we need not be scared or insecure.


Lord, thank you that even when I feel alone, you are always with me and bring all of your characteristics with you for my benefit.