9th July, 2025

A Fountain Publication

Lodestar Logo - Compass and Star

The Lodestar

Online Magazine for the Thinking Christian

Devotional

Beyond the Rollercoaster: Trusting the Sum of Your Life

‘And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose’ (Romans 8:28)

By Paulson Pulikottil

Life, a journey filled with adversities, is a test for all, regardless of wealth, health, or status. Our emotional equilibrium, a delicate balance, is often swayed by the tides of circumstance. We find ourselves disheartened in times of misfortune and jubilant when fortune smiles upon us. Life, indeed, is an emotional roller coaster.

But how do we maintain a straight line of our emotion graph, where the distance from both axes is constant throughout?

The answer also requires a mathematical analogy to remind us that what matters in our walk with God is the algebraic sum of our experiences. The algebraic sum is 'the aggregate of two or more numbers or quantities taken with regard to their signs (as + or −) according to the rules of addition in algebra.' For example, the algebraic sum of +5 and -2 is not 7 but +3, though the numerical sum is 7.

The phrase "work together for good" implies that what matters is the sum of our experiences. God, in his sovereign will, has ordered some good things and some that are distasteful in our lives. God only knows why he passes us through the valleys and over the mountains. But one thing is clear: the sum of all our experiences will be positive at the end of the day.

This unique hope, a beacon for those 'called according to his purpose', is a testament to the power of faith. These individuals, living under the lordship of Christ, refuse to be swayed by life's adversities or elated by its triumphs. They step off the emotional roller coaster, knowing that every night has a dawn and every storm will pass. Their emotional graph remains steady, for they trust in the sovereignty of God, knowing that the sum of their life, guided by his purpose, will be good.

(To receive this devotional daily on WhatsApp, click here.)

Share this Article

Advertisements

Advertisement
Advertisement

Explore More on The Lodestar

coverImage for Faith and Politics
Views

Faith and Politics

How should Christians engage in today's public sphere? Rooted in Jesus' example, our political involvement must reflect humility, justice, and compassion—serving others as we seek to honour God’s...

Read More Icon
Read More
coverImage for Holy Fear: The Awe That Draws Us Closer to God
Faith

Holy Fear: The Awe That Draws Us Closer to God

Holy fear is not about terror — it is about reverent awe for God’s power and holiness. This reflection explores what the Bible teaches about holy fear and how it deepens our faith, wisdom, and...

Read More Icon
Read More
coverImage for Faith Over Fear: A Christian Response to Conflict in the Middle East
Views

Faith Over Fear: A Christian Response to Conflict in the Middle East

The Israel-Iran conflict demands more than outrage and speculation. This blog calls Christians to respond with biblical discernment, prayer, and peacemaking, anchoring their hope in Christ rather...

Read More Icon
Read More

Subscribe to our free weekly digest.

Join hundreds of others who have subscribed to our free weekly digest for inspiring news, faith, community, family, opinion, and culture content. Stay connected and nurture your spiritual growth with thought-provoking articles delivered straight to your inbox.


Join our growing community of readers today.