I wonder what the fish were thinking as the ground vibrated with each thump of the shovel. The serenity that they had once enjoyed in their crowded home now shattered with unexplained disruptions. Not only that, but the giant shadow that provided food had come more often but no new food ever appeared.

Did the confusion of the fish turn to apprehension as they were chased around the pond with a net in the decreasing amount of water and then deposited into small tubs?  If they were crowded before, they were now packed almost fin to fin. No more swimming laps around the pond. In this new place, they barely have room to swish their tails five times. Not only that, but they are covered by a net to keep them from jumping out and to keep them safe from birds and the neighbor’s cat.

Did they feel their world had been turned upside down?

Do we ever feel like our world has been turned upside down?

There are times we will be confined or put in a place we don’t like. It may feel like life is horrible. Cancer, losing our job, death of a loved one and the destruction of our house in a hurricane are all bad causes of forced changes. But sometimes that turmoil comes from happy events such as a wedding, birth of a child, or high school graduation. In each case, we may feel helpless, out of control, and out of place. Our peace is gone. Our familiar provision is gone. Our home is gone. So what do we do?

Do we jump out of our new circumstances and try to crawl our way back to our old familiar ones? Do we give up and just sink to the bottom in despair? Do we get angry and refuse to eat? Do we try to relieve our angst by attacking other people?

Or do we trust that the God who promised to be with us always is still in control?

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Can we say along with Paul…

…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger. Philippians 4:11b-12

Remember –

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.  Ecclesiastes 3:1

Let us trust our wise and loving Father no matter which season and circumstance we are in.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16