Accepting A Greater Reality
Dear Friends:
Sometimes, the reality of our lives causes us to rejoice, such as the birth of a baby, a lovely wedding, or a warm holiday at home with friends and family. And sometimes the reality of our lives brings us despair, anger and whole range of negative emotions. Some would say, “That’s life. You have to take the good with the bad.” I agree that life is a mix of highs and lows; yet, I think a Christian life well-lived is reflected in how we respond to those lows.
Our ignoble emotions can feel like they take control when we feel angry, depressed, offended, anxious, stressed and uncertain. Those are normal and are indeed the reality of life sometimes. That’s why it may be our first reaction to lash out at others, drift downward into self-pity, or respond to others’ concerns with a feeling of futility. That happens when we think the reality of this world is the reality of God’s world.
Yet, by definition God is the ultimate in all things. There is nothing greater than Him. He has seen all, experienced all, and knows all before we see, experience or know anything. He shared His knowledge of this greater reality with His Son, whose experiences on earth could have made Him angry or bitter or depressed. Yet, Jesus responded with the love, understanding and wisdom that His Father gave him.
Through our faith in Jesus, God has instilled in us that love, understanding and wisdom, too! He has already given us this gift - the power and privilege to be able to rise above what we may think is our reality! If through our faith in Him we embrace His Reality, we have the ability to transcend those situations on earth that can all too easily bring us down.
I encourage you to do what I’ve been doing recently. Note in a journal the times that you feel down, or angry, or offended, or tempted. Then write down how God would respond to the same set of circumstances. You will likely find that God would respond in the opposite way: when you feel angry, God forgives. When you feel depressed, God feels hope. When you feel overwhelmed, God feels secure in your future.
We can tap into His reality and feel safe and protected in His eternal care; that is the reward of our faith. It is also our responsibility to help others who are experiencing overwhelming negative emotions understand the transforming power that faith can have in their lives. Please tell us when you broke the yoke of a challenging earthly reality to rise above and experience the joy of His greater reality. Together, let’s inspire others!
Blessings,
Ron
This is a great encouragement for our clients. Many times they are down in their circumstances. Turning their thoughts toward he is.. is a great reminder.
thanks
Reply to this
Greats words to focus on our Father in Heaven. Blessings, Ron
Reply to this
Thanks Ron!
We are feeling the impact of the economy in our practice and in our personal household. Today, I was tempted to become discourgaged - so, thanks for the ENCOURAGEMENT!
In His Grace,
David
Reply to this