Hearing the flippant phrase “It’s whatever” grinds my gears!
What do you mean, “It’s WHATEVER?!?!?”
In most situations this phrase is used as a nonchalant response. Especially when someone is frustrated or discussing something that seems to be of great concern to those around them.
I am a solution-focused person. So often times, this response alarms me because it sends a signal of complacency or lack of empathy for a situation. But I was called out when reading a scripture for my view. What I often see as my solution focused and strategy driven mindset can be viewed as my fear of not having control of an outcome or situation. It’s my way of masking the worry that rattles around in my thoughts and heart at times.
The Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
The “whatever” shifted for me when I read the scripture. Now don’t get me wrong, most people who say it to me are really being nonchalant and passive. However, I understood why my conviction for the scripture was so strong.
I was focusing on the moments when a situation seems to be getting away from me, my list gets to be too long or life seems to be falling apart, in the wrong place. It was not WHATEVER for me because I was losing control, angry and anxious in my own strength.
But the scripture called me to place my WHATEVER somewhere very specific. The good and grace in a thing. The places where I needed to settle in peace rather than be busy to polish and make perfect.
There is peace in whatever God has already done, is doing, and will do in every situation. My focus becomes clearer on these things and the prayer becomes simpler.
Life and every situation won’t be easy, but there is something peaceful in knowing it will always be whatever God says it is.
My Prayer
Lord,
Thank you for the good things. Thank you for the ways you are making that I cannot yet see. Thank you for being just and merciful. I honor you and praise you for your grace and love through this situation. I know you are in control and find peace in your direction for the path ahead.
Amen.
Disclaimer: In appreciation of your time and with deep consideration for your journey, I engage with my authentic voice. This was not written or generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
