Weekly Devotional for October 29

 

Changing Our Perspective

 

We have all heard the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side".  It's so easy to look over the fence and notice how nice things are on the other side.  We think that people always have it easier than we do.  We feel the pressure of “keeping up with the Jones’.”  We compare ourselves to our neighbors, friends, church members, family members and think that "if only I had what they had" or "my life would be so much easier if".  What we fail to notice when peering over the fence is that the grass did not magically appear green all by itself.  And that given the chance to hop that fence and stay awhile we would realize that it doesn't stay green without some maintenance.  We would have to pull weeds and mow it once a week, hope for rain and occasionally apply fertilizer.  So it is in our lives that we must take time to do some maintenance to see our lives flourish.

 

  Our marriages and families don't become perfect all on their own or just because of the person we marry.  Our jobs are not perfect because of the place we choose to work.  We must pull the weeds and apply the fertilizer.  It is up to us on how we are going to view our lives.  We are the only ones that can change the way we think.  Our lives will not become better because of our circumstances.  Our circumstances become better because of how we live our lives. 

 

We need to learn to be content where we are.  That doesn’t mean that we just sit back and never strive for better.  We can be happy and content and peaceful in the grass we are sitting in while still longing to some day have some flowers around us.  Happiness is not an emotion we feel but a decision we make.  Take the time to look on YOUR side of the fence this week.  Notice the beauty in your own life and thank God for all His wondrous blessings. 

 

Paul writes in Philippians 4:4-13,

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

 

Choose to be happy today.

 

This week’s devotional was written by Chandra Lucas, one of my dear friends and sisters in Christ.