You’d think at my age, I’d have it all figured out. With years of living behind me, I should be loaded with wisdom and knowledge. I’ve made many difficult decisions in my life. I’ve trudged through some hard times. I’ve even gotten to the point where I didn’t know where my next meal would come from. I’ve made monumental mistakes. I’ve taken roads which I shouldn’t have traveled. I’ve struggled with the ups and downs of marriage. I’ve gotten discouraged while watching my three children grow into responsible adults. I’ve also been witness to many of their successes. So, what’s the measure of a good life? I guess I’m thinking about that a lot lately, because I will add another year to my age in a few days.

What do you consider to be a rich, full life? A man named Job had it made. He was filled to the brim with wealth, family, success and a top rung on the social ladder. In the blink of an eye everything changed. Satan was allowed to tempt this man by taking away all his worldly goods, to see if he would still acknowledge God’s presence in his life. His friends wondered what great sin he’d committed to merit such treatment. They really weren’t very good friends. He suffered physical ailments. He lost all of his children. Still, he wouldn’t curse God and blame Him for his current status. His wife mourned their losses and encouraged Job to give up his faith. She thought God had deserted both of them through this trial.

Have you ever experienced loss that would take you to that level? Do you blame God for the tests that come your way? Are you confused as to what you did to merit such treatment? I think every human being has experienced this in one way or another. I believe that confusion creates solutions and that most of our problems can be solved in one way or another.  We may never move mountains, but we can re-distribute a pile of dirt.  We might not achieve great monetary success in life, but we have many opportunities to succeed.  The world will never be at complete peace, but we can do something personally to create peace in someone’s mind or bring the comfort of God’s promises to those whose minds are at unrest. 

When we become overwhelmed by confusion, we need to turn that befuddlement over to the One who created the earth, the universe and all that’s in it.  He can make sense out of chaos.  He has all the answers.  He will set us on the right course. It may seem that you are facing complete disorientation.  When the storm is over, you will see God’s hand in it.  You will someday realize that all of this had a purpose for the final outcome.  God knows what He’s doing.

 “I’m not confused, I’m just well mixed.”  Robert Frost