A friend of mine, wise and astute
beyond his years (so he tells me), has shared his newly discovered motto
with me: "it is what it is." Ok, so I've thought that a few times
before, but it is one of those simple statements that forces us back to
reality at times when we may feel overcome by our circumstances and
disappointments of life. When things aren't exactly as you would desire
them, you can become focused on reality by telling yourself, "it is what
it is."
Circumstances are what they are. There
are some things we can change, and some things we can't (we're getting
more profound as we go). Our problem is that we often expend more worry
and energy on the things we can't change; and this, in turn, can become
a stumbling block to our spiritual growth and joy. "And who of you by
being worried can add a single hour to his life?"
(Matt. 6:27)
Paul's own circumstances were often less than ideal, and beyond his
control, yet his attitude remained stable: "I have learned to be content
in whatever circumstance I am. I know how to get along with humble
means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every
circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry,
both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through
Him who strengthens me"
(Phil. 4:11-13).
If I may venture a loose paraphrase: It is what it is, I have learned to
deal with "it" through God's help.
"Moses My servant is dead." So spoke
the Lord to Joshua
(Josh. 1:2).
Joshua knew this already; they had been mourning for days. But sometimes
we need a reminder of the simple truth about reality. Essentially, God
was telling Joshua, "Moses is gone, and you can't change that now or
have him back. Now it's time to get up and go take the land of promise."
In other words, "It is what it is, and you have to work with 'it' the
way it is."
The only other option is not to accept
reality. People do sometimes go through phases of "denial." They do not
feel mentally able to accept what "is." It hurts too much perhaps. But
if we will ever "arise and cross the Jordan" in our lives, we must learn
to accept the facts and circumstances of life. It takes courage. It
takes resolve. But it must be done.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all
comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
(Phil.
4:6-7). God gives us the tools
to be able to deal with all of our circumstances, including the painful
ones. He wants us to cast our cares on Him, pray about them, and then
let Him grant us peace in our hearts.
The solution to problems is not denial.
We should learn to admit reality, then work with it as it is. When there
are matters we can change for the better, let's work to change them.
When the circumstances don't meet our concept of ideal, and we can't
change them, let's learn to accept them and resolve to move forward with
the strength God supplies. In all matters, we must "seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness"
(Matt. 6:33).
Because, as another one of my favorite
"profound" questions reminds us, a hundred years from now, what will
"it" matter? We worry about things that will pass away into oblivion,
and sometimes ignore those matters that have eternal consequences. A
hundred years from now, it won't matter that my car has a few scratches,
or my water heater went out. What will matter is whether or not I've
devoted myself to God and His will.
It is what it is. Thanks, Chris, for
that reminder.
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