Monday, March 2, 2026

             There are two dangerous words that can find their way into our thinking and conversations.  Those words are “if only.”  Those words usually signify some regret or some unfulfilled longing.  If you have punctuated your conversations or thinking with those words, you are not alone.  Many people have done and continue to do so.  Indeed, “if only” thinking has become a way of life for some people.  You may be surprised to know those words can be found in the Bible.  For example, in Numbers 14:2b-3, Israel pondered what would have happened “if only” they had stayed in Egypt instead of leaving in the Exodus. We read, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”  Consider the magnitude of that mindset! The people were openly questioning whether slavery, captivity and the harshness of Egypt were preferable to freedom.  It seems striking that with all the promises and power of God surrounding them that the people openly and realistically opined about going back to Egypt.
            We may not think about returning to slavery and captivity in 2026 but “if only” thinking does raise some questions.  First, “if only” thinking can lead us to doubt God’s power and promises.  We can become persuaded that God does not act in ways that are good and gracious.  The enemy would love to plant that seed of discontent in our mind and heart.  Remember the Garden of Eden.  The serpent never really commanded or directed Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.  He simply raised doubts about God’s character and God’s intentions—leading them to believe that God was somehow denying them better things and blessings.
            Second, “if only” thinking can easily lead to discouragement and despair.  We get ourselves trapped into thinking that just a little more of this or that will make everything perfect.  And it is usually something just beyond our grasp or gain.  We can begin to compare our situations to other people—spawning jealousy and envy in the process.  We can mistakenly convince ourselves that others have life much better or have many more blessings that we do and that God is holding out on us.  We might even convince ourselves that there is no hope or no possibility for things to get better.  We paint and despair our way into a corner.  At the worst end, depression and addictions can start to take hold of us.
            Third, “if only” thinking can devalue God.  We begin to think that everything rests upon us—our skills, intelligence and creativity.  We can make ourselves into lone rangers who neither look to nor trust the help of God or others.  We begin to see others as threats or competitors rather than people who can do and share life with us.  Consider how much better life works when we do not box ourselves into “if only” thinking.  Paul was encouraged by Barnabas and Timothy.  Peter had James and John.  David was blessed by the friendship of Jonathan.  When we open our lives to others, then life becomes better and our vision is much bigger.
            In the example of Israel in Numbers, their “if only” thinking did not lead to good results.  The people were punished by God to roam the wilderness for forty years before gaining access to the land that God had promised them.  Their faulty thinking simply denied them what God had promised and planned for them.  Usually, when we reduce our thinking to ourselves and the small space that we occupy, little good comes from it.  When you are tempted by or drawn to “if only” thinking, remember the encouraging words of Paul in Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”  Wow!  God is much bigger and better than anything and everything we can imagine!  Trust God and leave “if only” thinking behind!  Have a good Monday!