I've been struggling with this entry for a couple of weeks now. I Just haven't been able to figure out how to put into words the things that have been on my mind. I hope what I am trying to express will make sense. A lot of folks get down around this time of year for many reasons. I really think we all do at some point.
God shows me so many things in so many different ways. At the moment, I'm thinking back to when I was little. I grew up playing and exploring in the woods. Of course, I still like to do that even now as an adult! Sometimes I walk through the woods and come across all kinds of things. Seems like I always find them when I don't expect it. It might be a snake or a turtle. It might be a butterfly on some low lying flowers. I'll be walking along and there it is just as plain as day right in front of me.
Then there are other times when I see something from far away, and it's hard to make out what it is. Something moving slowly, way back in the trees. All of the sudden it snaps into focus, and I take a quick deep breath as soon as I realize what it is. If you grew up playing outside near the woods or the water, then you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Sometimes walking through life seems like that for me. There are circumstances and opportunities that are clearly seen. A door that God has obviously opened or shut. You take advantage of it, or you don't.
And then all of the sudden, through all the clutter, everything clears up, and God reveals it to me. Why didn't the Lord just reveal it to me in the first place? Why did I have to try and figure out what the circumstance was? Why did I have to look into an open door, only for it to be shut before I could walk through it?
I believe God has us to ponder particular things that we are unsure of, so that He can test us on them later, or possibly right now. I believe He strengthens us by what we see, and even by what we have a hard time seeing. Because sometimes when we don't see things clearly, and then it's revealed to us, we then know whether to pursue or to stay away. Maybe we find that we need to accept something as it is, and trust God to work it out for our good, or the good of someone close to us.
Pray to God. Cry out to Him! Ask Him to show you what's in front of you for what it really is. It may be that you need clarification about a job, healing for a broken relationship, or guidance about a financial decision. Maybe you need to offer someone forgiveness.
Perhaps you are sick of yourself and the way you've been living, and you know in your heart of hearts that you need Jesus Christ Himself to take control, save you, and change you internally. After all, that's the real reason for the season, and it's exactly what Christ came here to do!
Whatever it is, give it to Him and He will be faithful to show you what you need to know as long as it's His will (Psalm 37:4, Proverbs 3:5-6).
What's beyond the trees and seems out of focus in your life right now, the Creator will make clear for you in His good time.
Thank you for stopping by! Don't forget to go outside and enjoy His creations, no matter how big or small! There's something to enjoy out there in every season.
Merry Christmas to you all and God Bless,
Kevin-