1.   Your Lifespan — We sometimes get so caught up in surviving this world. I think that’s a valid comment to say, given the past year and its surrounding experiences. While we shouldn’t be living recklessly and putting ourselves in dangerous situations, we also must realize that our time on this earth is objectively temporary. Paul’s mindset concerning this reality was two-fold: he would live for Christ in his time on this earth, yet he was excited to embrace eternal life whenever his end arrived (Philippians 1:21).

2.  Other People’s Actions — Our life often becomes burdened due to the actions of other individuals. Naboth’s death happened on the basis of the actions of Ahab and Jezebel. However, other people’s actions can also be a blessing to life. Take for example, the lame man in Mark 2, who was brought to Jesus by four men who were willing to lower him in through the roof. Good or bad, know that other people’s actions are normally out of the realm of your control.

3.  Your Past — There will be times in life where a bad experience or a negative lifestyle haunts your present timeline. This guilt can weigh an individual down and debilitate them from future positive opportunities. David praised God for many of his attributes in Psalm 103 (a great read if you have the time), but specifically notes His forgiveness in verse 12. He notes, “as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.” If you don’t know in terms of geography, but East from West is a boundless measurement. We control our faithfulness to Him, and He can control our blamelessness.

4.  Change — Unfortunately, we are powerless when it comes to the attribute of change in life. No matter how much he tried, Elisha was unable to control the departure of Elijah in 2 Kings 2. If you read that text, you’ll notice the multiple times that Elisha told Elijah “please stay here.” Change comes in a variety of forms, but perhaps the most noticeable change we experience is the transition of people in our time.

Tyler King