In a previous post, I shared how my life felt like I was on a roller coaster. One moment everything seemed steady, and the next I was climbing into anxiety, twisting through unexpected turns, and plunging into discouragement with dizzying speed. Sadly, I’m still on that ride.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I don’t dislike roller coasters. There’s something exciting about spotting a hill in the track ahead, feeling the nervous anticipation of the climb, and then soaring down with the rush of adrenaline and butterflies dancing in your stomach.
However, not all roller coasters are the same. Some rides are mild with just a few twists and turns. Some are enclosed in darkness, keeping you in suspense because you can’t see what’s coming. Others are extreme, with intense speeds, sharp spins, and sudden drops that leave you clinging to the seat. I rode one like this once with my youngest son at Epcot in Walt Disney World. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind had been on my must-try list, but it turned out to be too much for me. While some people love it, I left feeling sick and spent most of the night recovering. Slinky Dog Dash, on the other hand, is a roller coaster I adore.
The thing about roller coasters, though, is that they don’t last long. Whether thrilling or overwhelming, the ride eventually comes to an end. Life’s roller coasters, on the other hand, can feel endless. We don’t choose to get on, we can’t see what’s ahead, and we don’t know when the ride will finally calm down.
Yet even in the middle of the ride, we’re not alone. God is right there with us. He steadies us when we feel like we’re spinning out of control. He reminds us that no matter how dark it seems or how sharp the turns feel, we don’t need to give in to fear or discouragement.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
I don’t know when my roller coaster season will ease, and maybe you don’t know when yours will either. What I do know is that God is faithful. He strengthens us to endure the ride, lifts our eyes above the chaos, and reminds us that His joy is greater than any loop or drop we’ll face. We don’t need to worry about what lies ahead, because He’ll be with us. If you’re feeling weary today, take heart. He’s holding you steady through every twist and turn, and He won’t let go.
