But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.

For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
(Psalm 73:2-3)

Life happens.

Really? Life happens? What does that really mean?

Life. Happens.

Over the years I have witnessed one crisis after another. With crisis comes devastation. Losses of every kind. Brutality. Hatred. Illnesses. Financial turmoil. Marriages that fail. Shootings. Riots. Pain. And, war.

Life happens in every nook and cranny of our existence. No one is exempt from life’s challenges.

Many ask: Does God care? Is he aware of the horrific happenings in our lives? Does he not hear our cries for help? Will God not provide comfort? Solutions? Help? Grace?

We find it tougher to hang on by the second. The strength it takes to grip our rope of hope is beginning to take its toll. The fatigue feels overwhelming. Weariness has set in for the time being. Emptiness has taken its place in the mind. Loneliness is burdensome. Eyes fill with tears. Anger takes the stage. Guilt pulls into the station.

Our souls long for calm in our turbulent storms. Conflicts beat their continual rhythm of frustration. Exhaustion sets in as thinking about adversity become increasingly annoying.

Is there any hope for the restless mind that’s constantly on a journey of painful memories, sleepless nights, and fear of what will happen next?

GRACE, where are you? Please take your place so the soul can rest, memories will not be so daunting, days are not so long, nights can be met with quality sleep, and fears can dissipate into oblivion.

Where is that place to rest? When will we be able to catch a breath and catch up with every emotion journeying through our minds? Is there a sanctuary where we can go to be free to express our hurts? Do we have that one friend who will listen — who can be trusted and who is faithful?

Asaph was a music director in the big choir of Israel. He was opining over his life (Psalm 73:1-28). He compared the ways of those who lived godlessly with the way he had been living his life. He wondered if he may have lived his life in vain. He said that the wicked are carefree and live a trouble-free life; yet, his life was banged around with trouble and strife.

No matter what is happening in life, God is always on the scene.
Asaph didn’t stay in his pity party for long. His connection with God helped him grasp the difficulties of life. Asaph’s sanctuary moment with God reminded him that in life, good and bad happens even to the ones who live honorably. He also remembered that while wicked people may possess an abundance of stuff, apparently live carefree lives, and outwardly seem they have it all together, they will face a day of reckoning. God will hold them accountable for living up to his standard.

Life really does happen to all of us. It isn’t always good. Bad things happen to people whose lives are honorable in every way. God, however, is always there for us. Jesus promised us that we can come to him anytime we need him and he will provide exactly what we need.

Decisions to adjust one's life based on bad stuff that has happened or is happening can cost one a great deal. The cost may be a job. Marriage. Financial hardship. Friends. And, a plethora of other things. However, when one sets out on a course to change one’s life for the betterment of him/herself, then it is imperative that one is willing to accept the challenges from those who disagree. The key is to allow God to lead and be willing to be patient.

Life happens. It isn’t always good. Life happens. It isn’t always bad. Life happens, and it zaps one’s energy. Life happens, and it fills one with joy. Life happens, and it is totally devastating. Life happens and brings unforgettably good experiences.

No matter what is happening in life, God is always on the scene. God is always aware. God is always working out the details to get us where we need to be. God is always providing resources. God is always leading us to be renewed, refreshed and revived.

Seeing God in the intricacies of life will enable each of us to be better, feel better, and live better.

Life happens, but God is always God!

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
(Psalm 73:26).