The phrase “a piece of cake” means something that is easy to do. The origin of that phrase is unclear. This figurative phrase dates back to the 1930’s. Ogden Nash, an American poet, wrote the phrase at the time. In 1936, he published Primrose Path, which includes the following passage:
“Her picture’s in the papers now, And life’s a piece of cake.”
Making a cake requires a bit of work. Even a cake is stirred, beaten, and mixed up during the process. It’s poured into a mold and then placed in a dark, hot oven for a while. But when it emerges, it’s a beautiful piece of delicious art.
The trials and suffering in life often feel like a mystery and can make you feel like darkness is surrounding you on every side. They are definitely not easy to endure. They can cause daily struggles and challenges on every side. They can lead to discouragement, sometimes even making you feel alone and defeated. We often find ourselves wondering, “What’s the purpose, or what am I supposed to be learning from this?”
David was not perfect, and he had his own struggles in life. He was the youngest son and served as a shepherd. His brothers lacked confidence and scoffed at the idea that he could fight the giant Goliath. King Saul plotted to kill him. He lived as an outlaw in the desert for a while. He was an adulterer and a murderer, and he failed repeatedly in his spiritual life. Yet the Lord saw the king he could and would be one day. The Lord had Samuel anoint the boy David to be a future king (1 Samuel 16).
God allows hardships and trials to build and strengthen our faith, to mold us into the person He sees we can be, and to allow us to be a comfort to others along the way.
God Finished His Work
Psalms 138:7-8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Troubles will come, but David had confidence that God would revive his spirit in the midst of his trial. He knew that God’s greatness, mercy, and love could help build his faith. He knew that when God would come to his rescue, it would come with all His might and power and would deliver him from his enemies.
The Lord is concerned about every aspect of my life. The Lord has a perfect plan for my life, and He will perfect everything in my life—my faith, my love, my character, and my deeds (Philippians 1:6)—for His honor and glory. The Lord will continue to love and bless me. Jehovah’s mercy and kindness will endure forever. He will never forsake me.
We may not always feel like giving praise, but let’s remember to always praise His name. Praising God can be done through our words (Hebrews 13:15; Ephesians 5:19), our songs (Psalm 147:1), fellowship with believers, (Hebrews 13:2), lifting hands (Psalm 134:2), and with instruments (Psalm 149).
When we praise Jehovah’s name . . .
– enemies scatter
– broken hearts are healed
– darkness flees
– strength is renewed
– souls are satisfied
– freedom comes
– confidence is boosted
– faith is increased
– focus is adjusted
Doth not all nature around me praise God? If I were silent, I should be an exception to the universe. Doth not the thunder praise Him as it rolls like drums in the march of the God of armies? Do not the mountains praise Him when the woods upon their summits wave in adoration? Doth not the lightning write His name in letters of fire? Hath not the whole earth a voice? And shall I, can I, silent be? – Charles Spurgeon
Choose to incorporate praise into your daily routine. This will allow you to live a more abundant life.
