Putting It All Into Perspective…

Praise Him Anyway…

GRATITUDE

Habakkuk 3:17 – “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my savior.”

Reflections: On those rough days, in those trying situations, sometimes it’s hard to muster up the energy to look for the blessings in our lives and enter into a posture of gratitude. We want deliverance, we want restoration, we want healing, we want change, and we want it NOW; but sometimes, instead of focusing on the lack in our lives, God just wants us to sit with and acknowledge all the ways that He has already made.

If we take a breath to think about it, it’s really not hard to see the countless ways that God blesses us each and every day, even in the midst of challenges. We can see Him in the new life we’re given each day, in the love we receive from our family and friends, in the ways He allows us to be a blessing to others… We can see God moving and working all around us, if we take the time to stop and look. And changing our perspective, looking humbly at our lives with gratitude, makes the hard times hurt a little less and gives us the strength we need to keep pushing to the other side, where God is waiting to do a new and amazing thing in our lives.

See Also:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.“

Song: Gratitude by Nichole Nordeman

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Shine Bright!

Changing Your Perspective…

PERSPECTIVE

 2 Corinthians 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Reflections: One of the greatest things about serving others is that it really gives you a new perspective about your life, particularly when you work with children and youth. These little ones (and even the ones who are not so little 🙂 ) require so much of your time, attention, and care that they take you outside of  yourself and require that you focus fully on someone else for a little while.

When we experience times of trial and turn to God for comfort, I think that at times, He purposefully presents opportunities for us to go, give, and serve. The reason? When our minds are focused on the world and the people that exist beyond our circumstances, when we see that we can make even a little difference in someone else’s life or brighten their day, it makes our own problems seem a little less daunting and overwhelming and…well…important, in the grand scheme of things.

The next time you find yourself stressing, worrying, or feeling consumed by a challenge in your life, seek out an opportunity to help someone else. You’ll be surprised how much it will soothe your spirit and change your perspective about the situation at hand.

Shine your light!

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Song: The Things We Do by Yolanda Adams