“Seeing is Believing”
Have you known anyone who always said, “If you ever need anything call me?” But when called upon, for one reason or another they were never able to give assistance. If their good intentions were followed by consistent “no shows,” you probably gave up on them regarding a person that could be counted on.
The mental view of a person that can’t be depended on is one with little expectation. Yesterday’s devotional was titled, “Everything Changes – Except…” God! The presence, love, power, faithfulness, and promises of God are still intact. They are as reliable and consistent today as the day they were made. But their validity is only as strong as your belief that each of these characteristics is true. Does your belief match your view of God?
If I inquired about the person mentioned above if they could be counted on, you most likely would not give a strong recommendation. Why? Because they illustrated unreliability and consequently you developed a mindset of this shortcoming. They may be a good person, just not one to be counted on. You’ve developed a mental view of them.
Psalm 34:17 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Troubles can either drive us away from God or draw us near God. Our response does not depend on the kind of trouble, rather, our response depends on our view of God. We can view Him either as the source of our trouble or problem solver.
If God is viewed as the source of trouble and heartbreak, we will likely be resentful and self-pitying. But if viewed as the One who can help us in any situation, we will be drawn to Him knowing that He is drawing near to us (James 4:8). Moses said, “I have seen Him who is invisible.” He developed a view of a God who could do anything.
If you are in need, let the view you have of God draw you closer to Him rather than away. May your mental picture see God as loving, kind, and ready to help in any kind of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Seeing is believing!
Pastor Carnes
