Our worship team sang one of my favorite songs, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong. As they led our church in God focused worship through this song, the Holy Spirit placed two verses in my head. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. And Colossians 3:2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
When hardships, difficulties, or annoyances seem to overwhelm us like ocean waves, that is the time to fix our hearts and minds on the love of God. The unfailing love of God. I know how hard that is to do. I struggle with that on a daily basis. But I firmly believe when we learn to do this we will find an island of peace in the middle of the tumultuous seas. I'm reminded of Peter who, when he took his eyes off of Jesus, began to sink instead of walking on the water the way the Lord intended. Our eyes need to be above the waves and focused on God--our hearts remembering that His love is unfailing and completely kind and wise. Sometimes I think I believe God doesn't know what He is doing...that He is not aware, or dare I say not smart enough to know how to take care of my life....ugh, when I look at it that way, it's not a pretty picture of where my heart goes!
You guys know how I love when God blends theses thoughts and instructions together to create a beautiful picture of the well lived, God led Christian life. I hope you are as impressed with Him as I am!
Lord, thank You for instruction. Thank You for Your unfailing, always leading, forever patient and kind love. It is consistent. Teach us to lift our eyes to heaven each and every day, through all circumstances, big and small. Remind us. Guide us. Thank You for music, thank You for the Bible. And thank You for allowing me to share this with others through this blog. I pray that it blesses them and helps them to see You more clearly and follow You me closely. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Look up verses that remind you of God's love. Write them down and carry them with you so that you can look at them often.
Matthew 14:22-32 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
No comments:
Post a Comment