As someone who likes to be organized and plan, I always want to know what’s coming to start strategizing. I often joke that I know what I’ll be doing two weeks from now, and it’s true – I love to plan. Anything that disrupts my schedule requires some adjustments on my part. However, I’ve realized that I’ve been dealing with God similarly, always wanting to know what’s coming and when. This morning, God reminded me to view my current situation from his perspective. Two months ago, he told me to be grateful for where I am. So, I believe that practicing thanksgiving and adopting God’s perspective will help us navigate our seasons.
Let us begin with Thanksgiving. Often, we are so preoccupied with our various needs that we forget to express gratitude to God for keeping us safe and healthy, thus enabling us to participate in other aspects of our lives. This indicates that God is still preserving, protecting, and guiding us. I have always believed that God works miracles in secret, and if he were to reveal them to us, we would be awestruck. Let us thank God for sustaining us, even if we do not have all the answers yet.
This morning, I received instruction from God to view things from his perspective, which led to a change in how I pray. I realized the truth in his promises, the unchallenged nature of his word, and that God intends to do good for us and will never abandon us. He walks us through our trials and pulls us out of the mire when we slip. He lifts us when we fall and watches over us to fulfill his promises. We are inseparable from his love; he crowns us daily with glory, honor, and favor. Although we may be waiting for answers, we are already seated with Christ, who continues interceding for us. He is the author and finisher of our faith, and he will see us through to completion. We are indeed in good hands, and God will make all things beautiful in his time.
Take heart, for God is faithful and dependable. You need not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, and you belong to me. Even amid great difficulty, I will be with you. When you pass through deep waters, I will be there to guide you. When you encounter rivers of adversity, you will not be overcome. And when you walk through the fires of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:1-2)
Remember to maintain an attitude of praise and thanksgiving and to keep God’s perspective in view.