by Dina Gonsar

You may have heard the popular phrase “If you do not stand for something, you will fall for everything.”  As of late I have become acutely aware of my beliefs and perhaps even areas of unbelief. We live within an ever-changing world while we know God is unchanging. But that does not mean we are not susceptible from being “shaken” from time to time.

The chaos and unrest seems to be consistent. In our hearts we know God is in control though we may feel our hearts growing weary from the world’s constant testing -causing us to question ourselves and find the need to examine or hearts. We do this to realign with God and his word and ensure we are guarding our minds with the Holy Spirit.

I have had to examine myself more times than I care to admit. There are so many voices and they are so loud, especially if you spend a certain amount of time on social media. The constant cycle of strife and upheaval seems to be a part of everyday life as of late. However, that part seems to be happening at a more rapid and overwhelming pace. Simple conversations seem to give way to more volatile ones.

Knowing how to be a light in what seems to be an increasingly darkening world can be lonely at times. Maybe even exhausting or discouraging. Our well-intentioned hearts may feel as though they are being trampled. However, I think that is when we know it is time to lean into Jesus.

My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.

Psalm 62:5-8

Psalm 62 mentions repeatedly that He is our “rest” and our “rock.” I believe one of the many beautiful parts of walking with Jesus is he asks us not to do it alone. Not to handle everything on our own. Also, to know when to rest in him and trust him to work. It took me a long time to find this rest.

To realize you are in fact not God, he can use you to plant a seed, offer a word, and to intercede in prayer. As we live in a world that begs us for reaction, performance, and instant gratification, having this discernment is more valuable than we at times give it credit for. The world can wear us down and discourage us from doing the work God has set in our hearts and can even allow an avenue for guilt to creep in, or doubt in our relationship with Jesus – which can cause us to stifle our light out of fear.

There is a line in a song Natalie Grant sings, “When did I forget you have always been the King of the world?” We need to remind ourselves that God has appointed us for a time such as this. It is not an accident that we are here at this very moment in time.

How quickly can the storm over take us?  How quickly does the panic set in when the tides seem to turn against us?

If riches increase, do not set your heart on them. God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for you render to each one according to his work.

Psalm 62:11-12

Psalm 62 clearly states that “the power belongs to God.” That is what should ring in our ears louder than the judgement, the news, and the confrontations placed before us – letting God’s grace and mercy lead our actions and reactions.

Tapping into the leading of Holy Spirit as we go through our daily life can be one of our most powerful weapons. Speaking when prompted, and knowing when it is time to take a step back in prayer. It is just as important to guard our hearts as it is to share it. With letting God be our rest, rock, shelter, and everything in between ultimately we will weather any storm.

Dina Gonsar is the writer and creator behind the popular DishItGirl.com. Dina has shared her recipes and love for family dinner across numerous media outlets both local and national. She is an award-winning home cook that has a heart for encouraging her community both in and out of the kitchen. Dina has a heart for encouraging those right where they are at, especially when it involves the kitchen table. When she isn’t dishing it up on television you can find her in the kitchen with her daughter Siena and her husband Brian in New Jersey.