Dericka Canada Cunningham, GBW Founder
March 18, 2024
This Week's Anchor
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)
Something about setting our clocks ahead and springing forward is always a welcome reminder that a new season is on the way. It appears that every year on a glorious Sunday at 2 AM (at least for the eastern part of the US) there’s more daylight in our day and the days begin to feel longer. For those of us in cooler climates, we start to feel the warmth creeping into our weather patterns, and with brighter, longer, warmer days, most of us begin to have a bit more of a pep in our step. The gentle reminder that winter’s cold and dark days are temporary is simply refreshing. In fact, Lauryn Hill said it best “After winter, must come spring; change, it comes eventually.”
A while ago, I spoke to someone who was going through some significant life struggles at the time. After reflecting on their experiences and validating and affirming everything they felt, I curiously asked them, “What’s sustained you?” In their response, they shared they remained steadfast by remembering that what they were overwhelmed by at that moment was temporary. They couldn’t be more accurate, and their wisdom has remained with me. In the sentiments of Lauryn Hill and the words of our ancestors “Trouble don’t last always” and change, for better or worse, is always on the way.
For anyone who, like me, is in a season of challenge or just plain old exhaustion, this is what I have to offer us this week—Change; it comes eventually. Our anchor scripture this week grounds us in this. This scripture reminds us that:
Our troubles are temporary (v. 17a)—There is a beginning, middle, and end to every story, including our tough stories. We can have hope in knowing this, too, shall pass (whatever this is for you).
Our challenges are often beyond us and have a great purpose (v. 17b)—One of the best benefits of being grounded in Faith is being able to stand firm in the meaning that our lives hold, including the good, bad, and the ugly. This isn’t meant to convey the sometimes-invalidating notion that there is a “reason” for our troubles; however, come what may, nothing we go through is pointless. Instead, our tiny lives hold great value in the greater picture of everything.
We can remain grounded in what sustains us to make it through difficult seasons (v. 18)—Sometimes our prayers are simply, “Lord, just help me make it to the other side of this”. I’ve prayed this prayer before (many times). Life has a way of sometimes overwhelming us. And in these moments, we have the gift of the eternal all-p0werful presence and promises of the Holy Trinity to help us wade through deep waters and dark storms. While the seasons and our lives are constantly changing, the eternal power and Presence of God remain the same.
As we enter this new week where our days are filled with light and warmer air, let’s collectively bask in the rejuvenating beauty of our approaching spring. Let’s wade in God’s reminder that with each season we have the Divine-assisted ability to forge ahead. May we rest in the truth that difficult times are impermanent. May we connect with the radical joy of seeing and feeling life bloom. And may we spring forward in hope for all that is to come in this next season.
Reflection
What is resonating for you about this scripture and/or this devotion?
What challenges are you needing support through this week? What are you hopeful for in your next season?
What intention(s) do you want to set to connect and/or reconnect with being grounded this week?
Related Scriptures to Ground You Through this Week
John 14:1-4
John 16:33
Romans 8:18-28
Philippians 4:6-7
1 Peter 1:6-7
James 1:12
My Through-the-Week Reflection Guide
A Song of Inspiration
Quote of Love & Liberation
“Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do.
Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
Ella Fitzgerald
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