I got up nice and early as usual and sat watching the sunrise. After reading my verse for the day, I pulled the laptop closer to write down my thoughts. That’s when I noticed that my bike was missing from its stand.

A heavy darkness descended over me.

Suddenly I thought of Renata’s brand-new, very expensive bike we had saved for for a long time. I swung around and saw that her bike was also not in its place. Shocked, I called out: “The bikes have been stolen!”

What a consternation. The head of the park where we were camping called all the game wardens together to search the bush. The thieves usually hid the stolen goods in the bush to fetch it later when things had calmed down.

The security representative of the homeowners’ association from the next town came to find out what had happened and to offer their assistance. The municipality from the big town also sent a representative.

For the rest of the day, I couldn’t do anything. I was feeling really down. I had a look what it would cost to replace the two bikes and realised we wouldn’t be able to do it immediately. We would have to find another way to exercise for the time being.

When I think back on that day, I can see how my emotions had run away with me. I was angry and upset. At one stage I was scared. I had so many questions and I know I was not a good person to have a chat with.

Later that day the police brought back one bike and I was so grateful that my mood lifted and I felt good enough to laugh with the guys about good things that can still happen.

Our human emotions are like a rollercoaster ride. Our emotions move to and frow like waves as our circumstances change. When something bad happens, we are down. When things go well, we’re up in the clouds.

God is not like that. ^16-17So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.

I think we often look at God and think that He is like humans, but that is really not true. God doesn’t look at us going in the wrong direction and angrily punish us with suffering. No, God is a loving God and nothing that we can ever do will make Him love us less. God’s emotions don’t change as circumstances change. God is the same, day-in and day-out.

Even if we change, do right or wrong, are confused by our emotions, are brought low, or fly above the clouds, I can go to God at any time and find Him there, the same as He was yesterday and the day before yesterday and the day before that. Exactly the same.

Scripture
James 1:12-18

Reflection
How are your emotions?
Do you see God the way He is?
What does that mean for you?

Prayer
Father, thank you for always being the same. I’m sorry that I so often give in to my emotions and change so often. Thank you that I can come to You in whatever state I am and that I will always find the same God waiting for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.