English: Gian Lorenzo Bernini - Dove of the Holy Spirit (ca. 1660, stained glass, Throne of St. Peter, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Clap your hands, all you nations;
shout to God with cries of joy.
Psalm 47:1
New International Version (NIV)
There are always parties and celebrations going on somewhere in the world, but often the pain and suffering seems to supersede all of that. You probably hear as much complaining around you as I do and like I do you may do your fair share of complaining sometimes. Sure, I suppose I can always find something to gripe about, but I'm probably looking at life the wrong way when I do.
Life is short. Life is a marvelous gift that God has given us and so often it is squandered. I guarantee you that you don't have to look too hard to realize that there is a lot more in this world to celebrate than there is to be unhappy about. Still many hang on to the negatives and try to drag everyone else down with them.
I think I'll lift my face heavenward and give God a big round of applause. God, You made this all perfect and we keep screwing it up. Sorry Lord, but please forgive me for my negative contributions and give me a charge of Your positive energy.
I feel better already. The celebration is right here.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
New International Version (NIV)
I totally agree, Arlee! Pessimism is so contagious and is often a matter of a distorted perspective. Thanks for sharing the good news that God can change that. Your hope is contagious, too! Have a blessed Sunday!
ReplyDeleteYes - I, too, am guilty of being more ready to pout than praise!
ReplyDeleteIt mostly takes an act of will to lift my focus from the mire around me in order to see things from HIS perspective. I remember a chorus we sang at Sunday school:
'Count your blessings name them one, by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings - name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!'
It's only when we decide to take stock of all that God has done (IS doing, and WILL continue to do!)that we can put our present issues in perspective!
'I think I'll lift my face heavenward and give God a big round of applause.'
ReplyDeleteThat is just lovely, Lee.