Look to Him!

This song came to my spirit the other day when I needed some encouragement: “Lord I look to you. I won’t be overwhelmed. Give me vision to see things like you do.” Right in the midst of trials and new seasons, you will have opportunities to choose how you will handle negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions that do not line up with who God has called you to be.  It is important in those times to re-align your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. The Bible talks about not conforming to this world, but being transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2 NKJV).

This pandemic has been a great point of focus in the world for over a year now. Lives and jobs have been lost. Physical distancing became the new way of doing things and has impacted life events such as graduations, weddings, births, and homegoing celebrations. The entertainment and sports world have had to shut down and then re-open with no or a limited audience. Parents and children have had to adjust to virtual learning. The list goes on. It’s easy to magnify all the negative things if you’re not careful.

However, in the midst of whirlwinds and trying situations, we can overcome by keeping our minds transformed and eyes fixed on God. His purpose and plans for our lives have not changed and aren’t dictated by life events. God always makes a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV) and is never caught off guard. He is the God who sees ahead and provides for His children. Looking to God is finding out what His Word says about a matter and trusting and believing in Him/His Word (God and His Word are one). Looking to Him is not only believing his Word, but speaking it (Mark 11:23 NKJV). Looking to God requires a shift in focus. Those who have chosen to see things the way God sees them have been able to thrive in a time of famine. Perspective is everything. It is what we decide to do in pressing times that can make a difference not just in our lives, but others. Will you seize the moment/opportunity or will the moment/opportunity seize you? James 1:12 (NIV) says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” In breaking this Scripture down, it reveals the following: 1.) Trials will come. 2.) We can persevere/endure in the midst of trials. The choice is ours. 3.) There is a promise/an eternal reward (crown of life) awaiting us! To sum it up God has given us the ability and tools to succeed. He is a very present help and is revealing answers and directions so that we can stay on the path that He has for us. He is aligning things to work out in our favor even when it doesn’t appear like it. All we need to do is look to Him (and keep looking to Him) and rely on His strength. He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV).