In life we all go through many situations that test us and we simply just don't understand why! Whether it's trying to figure out a hard math equation, a loved one who is hard-headed, or why am I broke can all be quite confusing to us--especially when we try to figure everything out using our mind's eye! Moreover, as sure as life goes on, mankind will always be in a bit of confusion concerning the intricacies of life. As wise folks put it "just keep on living and in due time you'll understand why." Jezzzzz, is it that simple?
We always hear stories about someone trying to "understand the ways of the world," or "why things happen the way they do." While trying to figure out life's perplexities may be quite interesting for some, it can be quite confusing to others and drives them up a wall! However, the fact that life will always present difficulties that may confuse us and make us annoyed doesn't mean that we should concede to her challenges. I believe in the concept of "seeing the glass half full," no matter if I understand all of my concerns or not. The optimistic view of expecting the best is something that gives us hope in the face of the test. At the end of the day, especially in the present, we all need a little hope to cling on to!
I had an old football coach, who always used the acronymn K.I.S.S which means "Keep It Simple Stupid." K.I.S.S would always leave me laughing with the look of 'duh,' on my face because I finally realized that I didn't know or have an answer for everything! The realization of not having it all figured out for many can be quite humbling to say the least. However, thinking about it from a spiritual perspective and knowing that there are things in life I tend to just not understand, I to turn to prayer and meditation. Prayer and meditation bring a "calming simplicity" (steadfastness/faithfulness) to the problems that leave me preplexed. They cause me to soley rely on (acknowledge entirely) and obey God's presence in the matter. "In the face of our difficulties, Allah says to us in the Qur'an, “Surely I'm going to try you with something of fear and hunger and loss of property, and loss of life, and diminution of fruit. But give good news to those who are patient and steadfast under trial.”
"Simplicity is the secret to seeing things clearly. A saint does not think clearly until a long time passes, but a saint ought to see clearly without any difficulty. You cannot think through spiritual confusion to make things clear; to make things clear, you must obey. In intellectual matters you can think things out, but in spiritual matters you will only think yourself into further wandering thoughts and more confusion." I often think of my Grandma Lyke and how she would always quote the Prayer of Serenity. What that particular prayer does is acknowledge Almighty God as the God our of hope, strength, comfort and peace no matter what the challenge may be. And that, He provides us with a "calming simplicity," which alleviates our confusion of the matter because it shows we're being firmly loyal and totally obedient to Him. To sum it up, "spiritual confusion can only be conquered through obedience to Almighty God!" You may not fully "get it," but He does! Continue to press for the mark! -God Bless
Scriptural & Literary Support:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
-Psalm 51:10 NKJV
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. -Proverbs 3:5-7 NKJV
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; -Romans 12:12 NJKV
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. -1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV). For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. -1 Corinthians 14:33 NKJV
O you who believe! be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful. -Holy Quran 3:200
Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book and keep up prayer; surely prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil, and certainly the remembrance of Allah is the greatest, and Allah knows what you do. -Holy Quran 29:45
Peace: a word from a Merciful Lord. -Holy Quran 36:58
Did I not charge you, O children of Adam ! that you should not serve the Shaitan (Satan)? Surely he is your open enemy, and that you should serve Me; this is the right way. And certainly he led astray numerous people from among you. What! could you not then understand? -Holy Quran 36:60-62
Excepts from Arguments or Obedience: My Utmost for His Highest (Online Ed): Sept 14; Oswald Chambers: Bring all your arguments and . . . every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ regarding the matter, and everything will become as clear as daylight to you. (see 2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV);
Your reasoning capacity will come later, but reasoning is not how we see. We see like children, and when we try to be wise we see nothing (see Matthew 11:25 NKJV);
As soon as we obey, we have discernment. This is humiliating, because when we are confused we know that the reason lies in the state of our mind. But when our natural power of sight is devoted and submitted in obedience to the Holy Spirit, it becomes the very power by which we perceive God’s will, and our entire life is kept in simplicity.
Excerpt from address to CAMM Sept 2, 2010; Minister Louis Farrakhan:
"In the face of our difficulties, Allah says to us in the Qur'an, “Surely I'm going to try you with something of fear and hunger and loss of property, and loss of life, and diminution of fruit. But give good news to those who are patient and steadfast under trial.”
"A strong man is one whom picks himself when he falls, a weak man is one who just lays there! -Lamon Caldwell II
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
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