Some years back there was a slapstick comedian who used to regularly say, “I’m a victim of circumstance.” That line sums up the thoughts of a lot of people today.

There’s a growing number of people who look at the direction of their lives and see it getting out of control. They see themselves as “victims of circumstance.” The outcome is that stress, conflict, and depression are on the increase. Rash and foolish decisions are becoming more common, too.

Are tough circumstances getting you down? They don’t need to. The key is to live with a perspective of God’s covenant.

When people think of the Bible and living the Christian life, they often think in terms of living up to a moral code. That’s all.

But this falls so far short of the truth.

God’s call upon us is so much deeper than just living trying to live up to His standards. He calls us to look to Him as our God, and see ourselves as His people. “I will be your God, and you shall be my people” is the refrain of Scripture (Jer.30:22; Heb.8:10).

The basis of this deep relationship between God and His people is His covenant.

A covenant is a solemn bond between two or more parties. Within a covenant relationship there are both privileges and responsibilities.

The type of covenant most familiar to most of us is the marriage covenant. In this covenant, husbands and wives share privileges and responsibilities toward one another involving lifelong intimacy and devotion.

But behind the marriage covenant – and every other human covenant – is the covenant that God makes with His people.

God has taken the initiative to call a people to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. When individuals respond to God’s gracious call upon their lives and turn to Him in faith, they enter into a covenant with Him. In this covenant relationship, God promises to love and never forsake His people. At the same time, we are called to love Him and keep His commandments.

What difference does this make? All the difference in the world.

Instead of viewing life as a wearisome battle against a flood of overwhelming circumstances, you can view it with hope. You can see it from the perspective of God’s covenant, believing that though hard circumstances will come, God is in control and working out His purpose through them.

The result? You’ll see yourself as safe within God’s loving plan. You’ll be less desperate and self-centered, and more joyful and capable of serving others.

Don’t be a “victim of circumstance.” He who began a good work in you will perfect it. Trust God in the midst of your trials. Nothing can separate you from His love.