[Perspective] Stepping back to refocus

As I sit down to write these articles, sometimes, the idea or perspective I want to share has been on my mind for a while. At other times, like today, my mind is filled with a thousand different random things (lists of things to do; sermons; unplanned meetings; phone calls to make, etc.). So, I needed to step back a few minutes and refocus.  What do I really need to do today? What do I need to remember? Here’s what came to my mind, my perspective for today.

1. I may not be where I want to be, but I’m not where I used to be. Every day, we make a little progress. With some steps back, we also have steps forward. In God’s Word, I am reminded: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13).  

2. Today, I start with a clean slate. As sure as the sunrise, His new morning mercies are available to me. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) 

3. I will not let fears control my perspective or dictate my decisions. The enemy’s strategy is real, but I have a divine Protector. “Preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity.”  (Psalm 64:1-2) 

4. Whatever happens today, it came through the Lord’s mighty hand. God has our best interests in mind. He is working for our good and for His glory. “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things now yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.”  (Isaiah 46:10) 

5. I have been gifted for service. May I use my gift for His glory. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (I Peter 4:10) 

6. The work I do for the Lord will not be in vain. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain”.  (I Corinthians 15:58) 

7. I cannot control what others do or say. But I can control my attitude. The fruit of the Spirit is…gentleness, self-control…If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”  (Galatians 5:22,25-26) 

O Lord, help me today, to live by what I say I believe. May I join with the multitude of Arkansas Baptists to be useful vessels in Your hands and for Your glory.