You are more than your problems

Does it sometimes seem like all of the issues in your life are so overwhelming that you can’t think of anything else?  That you are defined by the things that are happening to you, rather than the other way around?  Rest assured that you are more than your problems.

Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  (Matt 6:33)  He wasn’t suggesting that either your problems or your needs were to be ignored or dismissed.  But he was giving some perspective.  Here’s how Eugene Peterson explains that Bible verse in The Message: “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”

Jesus knew what he was talking about.  The Bible reports no instance of Jesus having to go without or make do.  Every circumstance was resolved – even his crucifixion – as he turned to his heavenly Father for guidance, strength, and inspiration.  He even understood his identity to be God-given: he knew he was the Christ.

Although you and I are not the Christ, our identity is God-given too.  These passages in Genesis confirm it: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.”  (1:27.31)

It may take some effort to step back from the issues confronting you to begin to grasp your spiritual self-hood, but doing so – even just a little bit – helps to open the door to seeing the real you.  And that real you – the you God creates and cares for – has everything necessary to begin to resolve all those problems.  Jesus showed us the way.  And as we follow him as he directed, seeking all that we need from our heavenly Father, “all these things shall be added unto” us.

Here is a link to the final chapter in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.  There are 87 accounts here of people who were healed of innumerable problems, overwhelming issues, life-threatening conditions, simply by turning to God.  And there are hundreds if not thousands more reports – documented and verified – available.

You are more than your problems – you are God’s beloved child in whom He is well pleased.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.