Nature sometimes shouts about God. While enjoying this lake at a retreat recently, I noticed something quite simple and wonderful.
When the water was calm, the surface nearly perfectly reflected the beauty of the shoreline. If the shoreline represents God, we want to reflect Him, just as this water reflects the trees. When our souls are at peace, filled with His joy, the life of Christ comes through us so clearly.
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord–who is the Spirit–makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. – 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
Yet, when the clouds of life come, when the waves of trouble kick up on our shore, the reflection of God’s peace and love in our life nearly disappears. How sad. When our hearts are filled with anxiety and worry, we lose the ability to clearly reflect Him to others.
So many things can disturb the peace of our hearts:
- Worry about a job loss or loss of a customer.
- Excessive worry about sickness.
- Fear of loss or fear of failure.
- Anxiety about future events.
- Thoughts of inadequacy.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Overwhelming thoughts of depression.
So, is it possible to reflect His great love and gentleness under duress and tribulation?
It is.
But, it’s not natural to us, so it requires a supernatural intervention.
When you are feeling overwhelmed by the world around you, and you sense you are not reflecting His life, meditate on these life-giving scriptures.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
I encourage you to get still before the Father and ask Him to reveal to you what He wants you to know about these powerful verses.
Prayer
Oh Lord God I pray for myself and my friends who are undergoing severe pain, hardships, sorrow, suffering and injustices. I pray for the Coptic Christians in Egypt who are being murdered by evil people. Lord may they experience the blessings of Your peace even in the midst of their horrific pain. May we all turn to You for true life as the world and the enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy. In Jesus name, Amen.
