When the pressures of life intensify, remember this:

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I (you) may rejoice in the day of Christ that I (you) have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:13-14

This passage gives a few key insights:

1. God is working in you to bring about His good pleasure. His work isn’t merely an activity you will fulfill. God’s endgame is the Christ-like man or woman you are becoming.

2. Do what you do without complaining or disputing. The impulse to verbalize all your feelings in the hope of finding comfort or justice is never a good idea. Especially in a time when “speaking your mind” can evolve into speaking perpetually about yourself, your problems, your desires, and those who oppose your wishes. As the old proverbs say, “a fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (Proverbs 29:11). Proverbs also tells us that “When there are many words, wrongdoing is unavoidable, But one who restrains his lips is wise.(Proverbs 10:19)

3. God is maturing you into the fullness of His child who is blameless in the middle of a perverse generation.

4. You are charged to hold fast to His Word. Now more than ever, every thought, belief, and principle we find our soul longing to adhere to, must be evaluated in the counsel of God’s Word. Buzzwords, popular theories on behavioral dynamics, and the seemingly new ideologies of how you can feel good about yourself must be subjected to the timeless wisdom of God’s word. If it isn’t in the scriptures, it shouldn’t be a truth in your heart or head. Even popular “Christian” authors and their “new revelations” or “prophetic words” must be evaluated through God’s word. We are warned that many in the last days “will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold. (2 Timothy 4:3 AMP).

In this passage, Paul warns Timothy that a generation of pious people will move from one favored speaker to the next, longing to hear what makes them feel good inside. The Word of God, on the contrary, doesn’t direct one to find meaning and fulfillment in who they are or what they can accomplish. We are urged by the Holy Spirit’s voice to fall in love with Jesus. The nature of His work moves the devoted heart to self-denial and love for others above oneself.

Holding to these truths, you can live a life that will not be consumed by absurdity. Don’t live another week in the vanity of temporal fulfillment. We have an eternal purpose of becoming a son or a daughter of God. Don’t lose sight of this.