2 Corinthians 4:18
We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever.
Thought for today.....focus on things that are not seen
Recent unrest world wide has produced some nervous Christians. Media accounts of earthquakes, oil spills, rising gas and grocery prices, focus on issues of disturbing proportions that concern us all. When I allow myself to focus on these, I too have a tendency to become a nervous Christian.
A couple of years ago, my income suddenly dropped by over two thirds. Prior to this, I did not worry so much about the changing times. I had enough income to make everyday decisions....with a little room for a mistake or two if necessary. When all of that changed, I found myself looking more at money issues than before. Focusing on priorities...what I absolutely had to have and how much I could do with out... became a daily concern.
As a Christian for many years, I know that I don't really take care of myself. Yet, keeping a tight rein on how much I had and how long that was going to last, gave me some idea of security. Growing up in a very dysfunctional home, made me think I had to always look after myself because no one else would. As soon as I was bringing home an income, I would lay it all out and adjust how much I could afford on car payments, gas, food, rent etc. My security was in knowing what I had.
Because of this, I must admit that there are some days when I am one of those nervous Christians. Yet, when I get this way, my experience with the Lord over the last 50 years, reminds me of His faithfulness to me. He has been the one constant throughout my tumultuous childhood and the ups and downs of a long marriage. I have confidence that as I enter this final stage of my journey and focus on those things I cannot see, He will continue to manifest his deliverance and strength in all my areas of weakness.
Prayer: Lord, I give you all my worries, my doubts, my dreams and my concerns. It is you who can bring them together and make them into a seamless garment of grace and mercy. My faith in you over the years has proven that you always have what concerns me in the palm of your hands. Lord change me from a nervous christian to one who knows where her strength comes from.
