When Down Is Up

Read Matthew 6:9-13

We've all been there; some of us know it too well and some of us know it right now. Life is filled with its ups and downs. All would agree, without question.

But the question we should consider is what's our response going to be when this happens? Some will wallow in it; some will deny it; and some will accept it and respond how I believe Jesus wants us to.

I believe Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 teaches us to be people that when we're down we're to always look up. This prayer is about seeing God for who He is and where He is. He is our Father who reigns in Heaven. He reigns over all creation, His creation, and it's His desire that we look to Him at all times - when we're up and when we're down.

Listen, this doesn't mean it's easy when we're down. You know what I mean. We're not saying - hey you can handle this just give it to God it's that simple. That's not at all what we're saying. What we're saying is at all times God wants us turning to Him; in relationship, in trust, in hope and in the good times and bad. Is it going to change your circumstance? No. But it will change you, change me. See we are changed first when we recognize the character of God, see Him for who He is and it helps us learn to respond differently in all our circumstances.

Read the rest of this passage from Matthew 6 and just meditate on what this passage tells us about our relationship with God and how He desires we respond to Him. We sing a song at Hope called The Lord's Prayer - and it's just so powerful to sing this passage with celebration because that is how God wants us living in relationship with Him one day at a time.