Be Found in His Will

"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life"

John 6:40

Where do miracles happen? This thought came to mind as I was reading through Chapter six of John. Right before He served thousands at the shores of the Sea of Galilee, He "gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted" (John 6:11). This idea of giving thanks, is one idea on where miracles happen. However, it is hard to do this when in the midst of the experiences of depression and anxiety. Often times it must seem like there is little to give thanks for when going through these experiences. Depression and anxiety are hard. They are challenging. They are not by choice. And yet much like when He walked on water to meet His disciples (John 6:16-21), He meets each and every one of you in the experiences of darkness. "A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough," (John 6:18) might sound similar to the experiences of depression and anxiety. The disciples saw Him approaching them, and they were "frightened" (John 6:19). And He says to them "It is I, don't be afraid" (John 6:20). He approaches you in your darkness, but there are times that it is difficult to even accept this, acknowledge this, and understand this. Yet He does, every time.

The thing about depression and anxiety is that while in the moment they may be long, it may be challenging, it may be heartbreaking, it may feel like it is lasting f o r e v e r it actually won't be forever. And the reason: it's not His will. His will is not that depression and anxiety take over and become the experiences of daily life. His will is not that depression and anxiety consume your life. His will is so much more. His will is powerful. His will is everlasting. His will was spoken by Him and shared with you in the Gospel of John. As true as it was then, it is true now. As true as it was for the unbelievers at the time, remember they wanted sign after sign after sign that He was who He said He was. "So they asked him, "What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you?" (John 6:30). His will is still true today to the believers. Jesus came to do the will of the father. The same way He comes everyday, every moment, every time, to the side of those who believe in Him and need Him. His will is not to let anyone do this alone. His will is to do this with them.

"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life," John 6:40. This is His will. That everyone who looks to the son and believes will have eternal life. Depression and anxiety have nothing on this. They cannot stand a chance when it comes to this. The experiences that depression and anxiety are, are real. The hurt that comes with them is real too. But know this. It is not His will, that you stay in this place. And He does not sit back and watch you attempt to climb out of this space alone, He climbs with them. Because it is His will that everyone come to know Him.

When you think about what His will for your life is. It is Him.

Everything leads to Him. That is the simple truth of what He wants for each and every life.For your life.

Scripture:

John 6

John 6: 11

John 6: 16-21

John 6:18

John 6:19

John 6:20

John 6:30

John 6:40

Questions:

What do you believe is your purpose when it comes to living out His will for your life?

How does the experience of depression and anxiety, whether directly or indirectly, change when you believe that His will is to know Him?

How do His words, support your healing?

What helps you in moments that depression and anxiety are feeling like "forever"? Can you use this to help others?

Prayer:

Lord, Heavenly Father I am thinking now about the line "your will be done," and it has new meaning and new growth. Lord, I am blessed to be able to read your words, and to explore this relationship with you. I am blessed to hear your words and to share them with others so that they may have a relationship with you. Lord, I pray for those who are struggling right now, with whatever it is. I pray for their earthly relationships, and their relationship with you. I ask that you bring them comfort, the way that you have brought me comfort. I pray that your will, your desire for each person to have a personal relationship with your son continues to manifest. I pray that the purpose that you have for each person leads them deeper into this relationship. I pray for those who are on the mend, and that their healing may continue to lead them. I pray for those who are starting to stumble, and that this may bring them out of their darkness. Lord, as you walked on water to come to your disciples, I pray that you show yourself to those who need you most. I pray this and the words on my heart in your son's name. Amen.