Two Views of Life – Which One Will We Choose?
We can focus on the past and miss what He’s doing in the present. We can focus on our problems and miss His hope-filled promises.
For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
I walked the docks twice at a marina this morning. They’re a bit rickety and lopsided, so the first time I only watched my steps to avoid tripping or losing my balance.
The second walk was different.
That’s when I noticed the purple starfish clinging to the dock pilings. Not just one creature, but clusters. God’s creative expression was there all the time, and I’d been too preoccupied to see it.
Purple, spiny, large and small.
I’d focused on my footing
And nearly missed them all.
We can focus on our pain and miss seeing God’s purpose in it.
I couldn’t miss the life lesson this brief experience offered. How many have I been so preoccupied with tough stuff happening in my life that I’ve missed seeing God’s goodness around me? How many times have I been too busy focusing on my frustrations or hurts that I’ve not noticed His presence, or I’ve overlooked His kindness? The answer: too many.
We can focus on the past and miss what He’s doing in the present. We can focus on our problems and miss His hope-filled promises. We can focus on our pain and miss the beauty of His presence.
My friend, let’s ask the Lord to help us be more aware. Let’s invite Him to help us navigate our difficulties with a keen sense of His presence and our eyes wide opn to His purposes.
How about you?
Two views from which to choose. To which focus do you most closely relate?
What might the rickety dock represent in your life? The starfish?
“Father, bring my view of my circumstances into alignment with Yours. Amen.”
Know you are loved,
Grace
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The rickety dock represents my faith at times when I would rather have clarity (sight).
The beautiful starfish represent the promises of God that are always there even when I don’t see them, just like the stars in the sky.
Thanks Grace for reminding me that I need less clarity and more faith and that I must focus on the faithful promises of God and remember that HE is not a man that HE would lie.
Gods blessings upon you and your loved ones always!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Debbie. May this visual be a long-standing one as you continue your faith journey!