Thursday, October 28, 2010
God's goodness
God's goodness is all around us. But, do we choose to see it? Sometimes, we focus on our problems and our insecurities, instead of delving into His ever-present promises.
This morning, I was driving our older Toyota sedan as I bumped into a few "friends" who made me feel less than totally acceptable. Maybe it was mostly my perception and not their actual thoughts. But, you know those people who look at you in a certain way, that makes you feel smaller than you really are?
When we feel less significant because our car isn't as nice as hers... or our outfit isn't as new or as cool as theirs, then it's time to rest in what we know to be true, deep down.
The fact is, that this life is short. At the speed at which we race towards death, we must live for bigger things than fashion and money. My spirit resonated with our pastor's recent challenge to, "... invest in things of true worth" (Pastor Matt from Sandals Church in October).
The simple truth about giving financially to our church means we may live with less material abundance than those who do not. If you give to your church as well, or to other charity organizations, then you can probably relate.
After writing that check out every month, you hit those final days before getting paid, and your mind can play tricks on you. You might think, "But, if I didn't give that much this month, then we could have gone out to dinner this week."
You might think of the money you've given over the years and wish you'd bought that new gaming system for the kids that everyone else already owns. Or your heart might pine for a new piece of jewelry or some shinier shoes. You might even dream bigger and wish you had bought that newer house instead of the one you currently reside in.
Perhaps you're dying to purchase some new flooring for your downstairs living space; or it could be that you long to landscape that dirt rectangle out in the backyard. Unfortunately, it seems like that extra check or bonus will never arrive.
When you feel this way, don't fret. That's what I did this morning with some silly tears during my prayer-time. While it wasn't a waste because our kind Father hears all of our complaints, the minutes were less wisely spent than they could have been.
Instead of moping over things that I "needed," I could have spent the time asking our King to powerfully move hearts in the African village where a missionary friend lives.
This morning, my thoughts got overcome by the temporary lies of the enemy, telling me that this world is all there is. But, we as Christians know this to be false. There's so much more that awaits us! Eternal hope and glory lie beyond this fleeting life.
So, let's invest in the things that concern our Lord. Let's not get stuck in the petty traps vying for our attention and money; these things only promise value and significance but tarnish and decay instead.
Remember these words from King David and find peace today: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." (Psalm 139:13+14a).
You are good enough as you are, fellow Believer. You don't need a nicer wardrobe, a fancier car, or a palace to be more worthy. You are perfectly significant because God values you just as you are.
And remember too that He gives you everything that you truly need for today. Take heart from Jesus' words, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).
Don't stress about the things that don't matter. Instead, pay attention to the issues that count for eternity, like who is going to ascend into heaven after they die. Instead of inconsequential concerns, try to focus on people's deeper needs due to an illness or an immense loss.
Make it your goal to value what God cares about and you'll find peace in the process! Share how God has helped your eyes to see things with an eternal perspective. We'd love to hear from you! :)
This morning, I was driving our older Toyota sedan as I bumped into a few "friends" who made me feel less than totally acceptable. Maybe it was mostly my perception and not their actual thoughts. But, you know those people who look at you in a certain way, that makes you feel smaller than you really are?
When we feel less significant because our car isn't as nice as hers... or our outfit isn't as new or as cool as theirs, then it's time to rest in what we know to be true, deep down.
The fact is, that this life is short. At the speed at which we race towards death, we must live for bigger things than fashion and money. My spirit resonated with our pastor's recent challenge to, "... invest in things of true worth" (Pastor Matt from Sandals Church in October).
The simple truth about giving financially to our church means we may live with less material abundance than those who do not. If you give to your church as well, or to other charity organizations, then you can probably relate.
After writing that check out every month, you hit those final days before getting paid, and your mind can play tricks on you. You might think, "But, if I didn't give that much this month, then we could have gone out to dinner this week."
You might think of the money you've given over the years and wish you'd bought that new gaming system for the kids that everyone else already owns. Or your heart might pine for a new piece of jewelry or some shinier shoes. You might even dream bigger and wish you had bought that newer house instead of the one you currently reside in.
Perhaps you're dying to purchase some new flooring for your downstairs living space; or it could be that you long to landscape that dirt rectangle out in the backyard. Unfortunately, it seems like that extra check or bonus will never arrive.
When you feel this way, don't fret. That's what I did this morning with some silly tears during my prayer-time. While it wasn't a waste because our kind Father hears all of our complaints, the minutes were less wisely spent than they could have been.
Instead of moping over things that I "needed," I could have spent the time asking our King to powerfully move hearts in the African village where a missionary friend lives.
This morning, my thoughts got overcome by the temporary lies of the enemy, telling me that this world is all there is. But, we as Christians know this to be false. There's so much more that awaits us! Eternal hope and glory lie beyond this fleeting life.
So, let's invest in the things that concern our Lord. Let's not get stuck in the petty traps vying for our attention and money; these things only promise value and significance but tarnish and decay instead.
Remember these words from King David and find peace today: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." (Psalm 139:13+14a).
You are good enough as you are, fellow Believer. You don't need a nicer wardrobe, a fancier car, or a palace to be more worthy. You are perfectly significant because God values you just as you are.
And remember too that He gives you everything that you truly need for today. Take heart from Jesus' words, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).
Don't stress about the things that don't matter. Instead, pay attention to the issues that count for eternity, like who is going to ascend into heaven after they die. Instead of inconsequential concerns, try to focus on people's deeper needs due to an illness or an immense loss.
Make it your goal to value what God cares about and you'll find peace in the process! Share how God has helped your eyes to see things with an eternal perspective. We'd love to hear from you! :)
Labels: Believer, Christian, faith, women
