Life is __________.
How would you fill in the blank?
People fill in the blank in many different ways!
We develop a view of life as we travel through it!
The lenses with which we view the world tint our attitude and reactions to events we live through, difficulties and triumphs. Do you remember Eeyore, the little donkey in the Christopher Robin books? He was always droopy and took a depressed view of everything. He was a moaner and a groaner. Still, he was a beloved character in the adventures of Christopher Robin. I have known some Eeyores. When talking with them, the most encouraging suggestions or comments are often met with a cast-down comment. Even if you try, it’s almost impossible to cheer them up.
Then I have known some “Pollyanna” types. Everything is wonderful, almost wonderful, or going to be wonderful. Their view often is not pragmatic. If you want to share a serious or troubling thought, it’s hard for them to even see what you are trying to share.
How does your spiritual life shape your view of your life? I would say dramatically. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) When Paul was inspired to write this verse, he was not relaxing in a boat on Lake Galilee. He was in prison for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ! He is inclusive of “all things” to speak to whatever we are going through. His words “in Christ” tell us how to achieve the peace and endurance we need in good times and bad. Again, we see the words “in all things,” which means that in the good, the bad, the painful and joyful, God works it all out for our good. Life events are not promised to be all good. Think of the cross — deadly and painful for Christ, but it provided our salvation, which is good! Job had troubles, but God worked it all out to bless and prosper Job. You can’t claim the first part of the verse without meeting the second part: “for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”
Do you love Him? Are you seeking His will and His purpose He designed for your life?”
We all make mistakes and sin as we seek to do His will, but what overarching goal do you have? Do you want to love God more? Do you want to follow Him more completely? Are you submitting to Him and doing your best in His power, to follow Him?
I am not a Pollyanna. I am not an Eeyore. (Although I have my up and down moments!) I’ve been through enough to have experienced the truth of these verses.
Depend on Him. Take off your dark black glasses, or your rosy pink glasses, and see with your spiritual accurate vision the acute reality of God’s working in your life.
