I've had a very up and down relationship with roller coasters ;-)
Seriously though, at different times of life my opinion has varied. As a kid I would not ride them. In college I endured them. Then I avoided them again and now recently I like twisty ones, but not the big drops. One consistency through all those years though - watching them on video. I have always liked it when they put a camera on the front car and just let it ride. You could watch and get a feeling like it was happening but know you were completely safe. What if we approached the "roller coaster" of life more like we were watching it on video?
If we focus on the fluctuation and the feeling, as if we're really on the ride, it can get the best of us. We either look around at the drops and lows we're in and give in to the fear, or we look around at the great heights we've reached and think we're on top of the world with no worries. But here's the thing - what matters most is always level. Gods love for us does not change with our circumstances. Our need for God does not change with our circumstances.
Whether you are climbing up or falling down God loves you the same. Treat the roller coaster of life like it's on video. You can see the ups and downs, maybe even enjoy the thrill a little, but remember in reality you're not moving; just safe in, and reliant on, God's consistent love.
In your quiet time this week, fix your eyes on Jesus. It doesn't matter if you need to remember he's with you, or remember you're not Him, just remember to keep your focus on His love for you and those around you.
Romans 3:23-24 New International Version (NIV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
New International Version (NIV)
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