“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Roller Coaster Ride: HOLD ON!

 I love the roller coaster, don’t you? Several years ago, I went to Disneyland and California Adventure with my family. It was so much fun for this old gal, and my favorite was the gigantic roller coaster! The thrill of the speed and not knowing what to expect next kept me laughing between screams. The ride ended, my knuckles regain their color, and we went back to what we know as our “normal.”

 Sometimes life imitates a roller coaster ride. For a while, we are just traveling along peacefully and then all of a sudden we go racing downward at a speed we cannot control. “Unthinkable speed” comes to mind because the sudden plunge seems to leave our mind “back there somewhere.” Hold on because, just as suddenly, we are pulled upward in a steep climb. Excited that God has heard our prayers, we believe with hope that He is straightening out our track, taking us back to “normal.” We utter a sigh of relief that all of the fast-paced twists, turns, and unexpected freefalls have ended. At the summit, however, we find ourselves at breakneck speed plunging downward in that mindless freefall again. The track seems to straighten out and we think the ride is coming to an end. Without warning, however, hold on, we are catapulted onto another track at “can’t-thinkable speeds” we never expected to experience. (The words “exhausted and overwhelmed” come to whatever is left of my mind, and maybe “anxiety” and “roller coaster nausea.”)  

What now? Give thanks in all circumstances? YES! Because it is God’s will.

At times like these we hold on to truth, and Jesus is that Truth. We hold on to what we know for certain—that God is in control of our roller coaster. He holds our life and the lives of our loved ones (roller coaster and all) in the palm of His nail-scarred hand, and He loves us in ways that we cannot fathom.

“We give thanks to You Lord. You are the only constant in our lives. You are what we hold on to in our roller coaster lives. Thank You that You are always there for us. When our minds are left behind somewhere, and we forget to hold on, our hearts are secure knowing You are holding on to us! Thank You!”