Do you feel complete today? Is your heart at peace and satisfied?

Whether you reply with a content nod or a sigh and realization of a restless mind and spirit, take a moment to acknowledge the Shepherd of your soul is available to provide for your individual needs. God is purposeful even in the midst of your discomfort. Nothing is wasted.

If you are experiencing a season of comfort and personal security, be alert.

Comfort is a sedative for our soul. It can lull us into complacency and separate us from our dependence on God. The comforts and pleasures of this life, which are delightful gifts to enjoy, can become as dangerous to our hearts as our defeats because sin wants us to be comfortable and at our core–so do we.

If you’re in a season of pain, restlessness or fear, you aren’t worried about becoming too comfortable; you’re focused on getting through the next month, the rest of today or the just the following hour.

But, have you come clean about your current situation? Have you acknowledged you need some help, your circumstance is more than you can manage?

Overwhelming is God’s specialty. He is the Shepherd of our souls and longs to provide in a personal and purposeful way. (Psalm 23:1-2)

2 Chronicles 16:9 is a verse God has used over and over in my life to remind me of His desire to strengthen and grow me as I commit everything to Him.

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 

2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)

Surrendering everything can be scary but growth happens as we commit each circumstance to God–embracing God’s plan to do His good work in and through us as we walk through seasons of pain, frustration, and uncertainty.

Embracing discomfort is counter-intuitive.

But so is personal growth. It doesn’t happen without a catalyst. Sometimes, we change involuntarily when forced by circumstances, and other times, we are intentional by submitting ourselves to a system of growth. If you want to grow your bank account, you could win the lottery (which isn’t likely even if you do play) or you submit to a budgeting system that helps keep your spending and saving in check.

God’s system of growth happens as we acknowledge that we live in a broken world where trials are the norm and never without purpose.

James reminds us,

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Today, as you inherently seek independence from God, make an intentional choice to acknowledge your need for Him whether you are a season of comfort or walking through a system of growth. God is looking for whose heart is fully committed to Him. Will He find yours?

Declare your allegiance to God and rest in His personalized provision as His transformative work is accomplished.