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Surviving Life in the Mundane
Pastor Kris Belfils

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
"For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

I am sure you have heard that scripture before, but how do we apply it in our everyday? This is where we really live, the everyday, mundane life. God is truly in the mundane. There's a gentle joy, a peaceful assurance that God gives in the ordinary if you look for it. Yet, the everyday life is sometimes the hardest thing to live. You might have had thoughts like "What is the purpose o my life?" "Why does life take so long to get here?" You see, life's journey is in the plain, every day processes we experience. We can get so focused on the future, or the past, that we miss out on the here and now. God wants us to enjoy everyday life. There are little joys and miracles that come with each new day. Look for them! It might be something in God's word. It might be one of your children giving you a few more hugs then normal. It might be a sunny day when the forecast said it should rain. It might be a day without pain. It might be an awareness of God's joy in your heart all day.

We need to find things that will help us through our day. Maybe you have had thoughts of wanting to end your life. Maybe you don't want to get up in the morning because of what you have to face that day.
We can learn a lot from Jeremiah's life in the Bible. Jeremiah was considered the weeping prophet. He spent his entire life warning Judah and Israel of God's judgment that would come if they didn't change their ways. Through his entire life, he never had one convert. There are little tidbits you can find in Jeremiah's life and what he spoke that will help you endure each day, even enjoy each day God gives. Also, the book of Psalms and Hebrews has much insight and help for our everyday life.

1. What does Jeremiah 1:5 say about God's knowledge of you?
2. Jeremiah 1:8 states, "Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD." Name faces and things that you are afraid of.
3. What does Jeremiah 1:9 say that God has done for us?
4. What happens, in Jeremiah 4:1, when we return to the Lord?
5. What does Jeremiah 9:23 & 24 say about what we should not glory in and what we should glory in?
6. Jeremiah 17:5 & 6 begins with, "Cursed is the man who trusts in man…" and Jeremiah 17:7 & 8 starts out stating, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD…" From these scriptures, what happens if we trust in man? What happens when we trust in God?
7. Can we trust our heart? Why or why not? (See Jeremiah 17:9)
8. Jeremiah 20:11 states, "God is our Great Warrior." How does this make you feel when facing another day? Do you feel safe?
9. What does Jeremiah 29:11 say about your life?
10. Is it God who draws us to Him or do we find Him on our own? What makes God draws us to Him? How long does God's love last? (See Jeremiah 31:3)

Remember that nothing can overpower you today because God is always there. You are a new creation. You are His creation. You're fully loved and forgiven. God has a plan for your life! God longs for intimacy with His children. Why? This helps us to get to know Him. As we spend time praying and worshipping God, God reveals more about Himself to us! This is a special time, a special place; a secret place. Do you spend time with the Lord daily in prayer and Bible reading? When you don't, how do you feel? Do you have an ache in your heart at times to just spend time worshipping God or praying? Develop your secret place with God. In the secret place you can pour out all that concerns you. You can be yourself. Always take time in your secret place to listen to the Lord. He will speak to you as you quiet yourself before Him. He longs for you to come to the secret place with Him. You will never be the same, and you will always leave wanting more!

If you are struggling to meet each new day, here are ten things to pray during your "secret place" prayer time. This will encourage you to not only endure, but to rejoice in each new day God gives you!

ENDURANCE FOR EACH DAY
1. Greet this new day as a day with and for the Lord
2. Remember today the Lord is my "Great Warrior" (Jeremiah 20:11)
3. Read God's Word today, it will help sustain you. "God's Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path..." (Psalm 119:105)
4. I commit my self to the Lord and I affirm that commitment today!
5. Know you are on the winning side today!
6. Lord please give your grace to endure this day; not only endure but to find your little surprises in it. You gave me this day. You brought it to me.
7. Be determined to please God in every situation that comes today.
8. Remember that God is a God who always has a plan. He has a plan for your life. He has a plan for this day. (Jeremiah 29:11)
9. Today, I trust You Lord with the unseen. Help me to remember that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. "Hebrews 11:1)
10. I number or order my day for You. Teach me to follow You throughout my day.

You can make it through this day! You are never alone. God is always with you. I pray this helps you enjoy each day God gives you in this life!

Blessings,

Pastor Kris Belfils

www.krisbelfils.com