Drops of Sunshine - Daily Bread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know when someone comes before you with no sincerity. You can even tell at times when you were an afterthought or not the original choice. It hurts because it feels like you weren't as important or wanted as everyone else. Rest assured, we were not afterthoughts for God. From the very beginning, we were a part of the plan. So we should display bolder faith in our spiritual lives. 

 It always amazes me how our loved ones and our mentors will at times see things in us that we struggle to see ourselves. Yet, that's the experience we have with God. That, like Gideon, we are called what we are, even if we aren't really feeling it in that moment. So when God places us in situations that seem impossible, we can trust that he's also given us the skills needed to overcome.

When we feel a little weak or unsteady on our feet, the first thing we typically do is reach out for some support. Especially if we're walking so that we won't fall. God is and wants to be that support system for us. If I feel weak, God is greater. If my mountain or the giant I'm facing seems to big to tackle on my own, God is greater. If I feel lonely, God is greater. The point is that no matter the situation I face, God should always be the center of and the reason for our joy. Our everything!

 Why is timing such a hard thing for us? Maybe it's because we at times envision the end result. Once we do that, the journey to the end seems like it's filled with obstacles. But every single day is another opportunity for us to exercise our faith and illustrate that we are trusting God's process. That might be challenging, it might even be tempting to give up, but trust that God is doing something for you that will defy explanation. Impossible is not who He is.

 There is a saying, "Another day another dollar", which is a different way of saying same story, different day. I like to approach life with an attitude of 'another day, another blessing". Truly understanding that without God granting me life, I would not exist. Giving him thanks each day is a small thing and I don't want to become someone who is to busy to do that.

There is so much comfort in recognizing that we are truly in God's care. Whatever I find myself in need of, God already knows. He created us! Who would know us better? Who else should we trust with our hurts and our struggles but the one that created us? 

When we are faced with trouble, which many times feels like it's just one obstacle after another, it seems like the easier solution is to give up. Why bother continuing to forge ahead when it seems like the only thing waiting is yet another obstacle? The comfort comes in knowing that God alone can breathe life into what seems like a dead situation. When many others count you out, God is still on your side. 

 There is a saying that the only constant is change. In an odd way, it's meant to provide comfort with an assurance that change is inevitable. There is no point in getting complacent, when things are bound to change. I choose to take comfort in the fact that God is truly the only constant. Through the bible, I see so many examples of Him being the same God He has always been. We can each hold on to that as an assurance for our faith, whether we are in a beautiful season or a tumultuous one. 

I'm going to be honest enough to admit that I struggle with cleaning out my closet. I try, I really do. But the hard part is getting rid of things I think I may need in the future. Yet, even as I say that, I'm not as bad as I once was. I've learned that when I desire new things, I need to make room for them. I can't do that if I'm holding on to all the old stuff. That describes my spiritual walk too. With each new day comes an opportunity for God to bless me with newness. It is increasingly vital that I let go of all the old stuff that only serves to weigh me down. It's time to embrace the new.

 In talking with a friend, we shared how easy it is to become overwhelmed. It's easy to focus on all the things that seem like they are not going right. Through those types of circumstances, I've learned the importance of keeping my attention on Jesus. Doing so decreases the opportunities for woe and worry to consume me. My mindset plays a huge role in my daily living, not just naturally, but spiritually too. Thinking on the things of God is a sure way of lifting your spirits. If you find it a struggle to do so, start small. A little goes a long way. 

 At my job, there is a coffee club. That's not uncommon in office environments. What I find mystifying is how many people feel that they "need" coffee in order to start their day. For some of my coworkers, I've seen it with my own eyes. They really do seem to function better after they drink a cup of coffee. My coffee is my morning prayer. The more quality time I spend with God, the more I've embraced Him as my greatest "need". In the scriptures, we learn to see God in the role of provider, healer, savior, friend, father, and so much more. He's far better than Folgers in a cup!