Perspective

A woman in my Lifegroup once shared something that has altered me ever since.  When she was struggling with the sleepless nights and frustration that often accompany the newborn-stage, she would remind herself that there are dozens of moms sitting in the hospital down the road, staring at their babies in the NICU, and wishing they could be at home, waking throughout the night to love on and care for their baby.  With that simple reminder, her posture switched from “woe is me” to gratitude. 

There is power in perspective.

We all face difficult circumstances.  We all encounter things throughout the day that offer us a choice.  An opportunity to focus on the negative.  Or an opportunity to focus on the positive.  A chance to wallow in self-pity.  Or a chance to praise Him in thanksgiving.

Because the truth is that there is an opportunity to see His glory in every situation.  Perhaps you are exhausted at the end of a long day of cleaning and laundry, and know that tomorrow brings more of the same.  Praise God that you have clothes and a home.  Perhaps you long for a husband, but there are no prospects in sight.  Praise God that His timing is perfect, and you have this opportunity to focus on the love that only He can provide.  Perhaps you have lost a loved one after a long battle with illness, and your grief in suffocating.  Praise God that they are no longer in pain.

I have been in each of these situations.  Sometimes I chose to focus on the negative.  Sometimes I chose to praise Him.  But in every circumstance, I had a choice. 

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1Thessalonians 5:18.

What are you going to choose today? 

Heavenly Father, thank you that we can rest in the truth that you work all things for our good.  Thank you that if we seek you in every situation, we will see your glory.  Lord, I pray that when our inclination is to wallow in self-pity, that we will instead choose to praise you.  You are so good.  You are so faithful.  I love you Lord.