9.22.10 "Get a Little Perspective"

"Get a Little Perspective"

Isaiah 39:1-41:16
Ephesians 1:1-23
Psalm 66:1-20
Proverbs 23:26-28

Have you ever seen something that just makes you feel tiny? I've been to the Sear's (Willis) Tower this summer and stood outside & looked up. Also the view from the top looking down is quite impressive. I've stood next to a C-130 Cargo plane. That was huge! On a family trip to Niagara Falls I had an opportunity to take an early morning walk before anyone else was out there. It was unbelievable. Incredibly intimidating. Getting a perspective of how small and frail we really are has quite an impact.

Life can be chaotic. We see people chasing around after so many things. Unfortunately, It's not just those who don't know Christ who are running around. There are many believers who just lose perspective. We're so busy and buried by the cares of life that our problems and concerns have become mountains in our eyes. It is way to easy to forget that the cares of our life are nothing compared to His greatness. As we grow in our Christian maturity we must not take our eyes off the greatness of our God.

"'With whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?' asks the Holy One. Look up into the heaven's! Who created all these stars? As a shepherd leads his sheep, calling each by its pet name, and counts them to see that none are lost or strayed, so God does with stars and planets!" (Is. 40:25-26)

The concerns of our life don't go unnoticed by him.

"O Jacob, O Israel, how can you say that the Lord doesn't see your troubles and isn't being fair? Don't you yet understand? Don't you know by now that the everlasting God, the Creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows faint or weary? No one can fathom the depths of his understanding." (Is 40:27-28)

Aren't you tired of carrying the burdens on your own? Trying to fix it in your own strength? We forget that we don't have to. He's waiting to equip us with power at all times.

"He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Is 40:29-31)

When my car is out of fuel, I must go to a gas station to replenish. I can't take my car anywhere else. That is the source of energy that is needed. When we feel empty, why do we so often fail to understand the importance of allowing God to replenish us and give us strength? Waiting on the Lord is vital. When you're worn out, That's what you need to do. You need to do it BEFORE you're worn out!

We need to apply the principle of Sabbath to our lives. This can be a confusing concept because we commonly equate this with a full day of sitting around, doing nothing. If you remember, this perspective got the Pharisees in trouble with Jesus. It's not about a "doing nothing" ritual. It's about taking the time to rest and hear from God, and allow him to complete us.

Most people spend most of their energies in pursuit of Sabbath. They work extra jobs to buy the house that they're sure they can relax in. They buy the RV's, the pools, the spas, the toys, etc. all in hopes that they will find the time to "play", which will hopefully fill that void inside: the God-given need for rest and recreation. But even with the toys, the rest isn't taken, the peace isn't found.

When we pause to wait on the Lord, there is a precious thing that happens deep inside us. It's as if God gives us new flesh. He restores our soul. It's just taking time to be at peace. To enjoy him and his creation.

In Ephesians, Paul gives us this encouragement:

"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can see something of the future he has called you to share... I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him." (Eph 1:18-19)

Set your mind on God today. Take time to rest in him. No, you don't have to reduce your hours, you don't have to quit your ministry. He has the strength you need. You just need to take moments to rest in him. You need to be flooded with the light of His Word. His plans for you are great!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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