I’d rather gaze at a body of water than get stuck in the weeds far from the shore.  The sound of waves crashing or the sunlight shimmering on the liquid canvas calms the senses. The depths beneath the surface are teeming with possibilities.

But weeds have possibilities too. They can takeover a space meant for fertile ground. They choke out what’s fruitful and ruin the opportunity for something useful to grow. They are a good place to hide.

But in the weeds of life God sees us. He meets us and carries us to the shore of His will– if we’re willing to go there. In His arms, I am safe — not secluded from life’s disappointments but sustained in them. The light of His glory astounds.

His will holds unlimited depths of wisdom. I need it to hold me.

In the weeds of life gone wrong, it’s easy to be drawn in by what drives us further away from God. If that happens, the only thing flourishing is distraction, discouragement or deception.

While many passages in Scripture describe what God requires for us to know and obey Him, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT describes the posture of a person who is willing to trust Him:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Years ago, when I heard this list of absolutes, it sounded almost as unreasonable as choosing weeds over a seashore.

I could think of many situations where rejoicing is inappropriate.

Offering prayers without interruption would interrupt my daily routine.

Giving thanks sounded good; but giving thanks in everything escaped me. However,

The will of God is essential for the child of God to flourish in His grace and find His peace.

Unlike an earthly parent, our Heavenly Father is perfect and so are His ways. (see Psalm 18:30)

The wise heart seeks Him. But when what matters to us involves pain and suffering, the broken heart might grow resistant or confused over His will.

Bishop Claude Alexander, Jr. puts it this way:

“Sometimes we don’t get it because we want God to speak to our understanding; but He is speaking to our faith.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT puts it this way:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Informed by God’s Word and fed by my faith, rejoicing, praying and thanking become triumphant responses to life’s delights and demands.

“Rejoicing always” becomes possible when I know God’s plans for me are inevitable.

“Praying without ceasing” becomes a spiritual discipline of being aware of His Presence and open to His instruction. At any moment, I can confess a sin, meditate on His goodness or seek Him about what path to take. And yet,

“Being thankful in everything” doesn’t mean I have to be thankful for everything.

But being in Christ Jesus, changes every facet of my being. I’m constantly learning about the wonder of His redemption.

No past shame, present challenge or future obstacle can withstand His power to make all things new — in the weeds, on the shore or in a storm.

And yet, the biggest renewal takes place in my mind.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)

We become more receptive to the will of God, when we trust He has more beyond the shore of what we see.

In Christ, it is good and pleasing and perfect. In us, His will shapes His purpose for hope for the heart and joy to the soul.