Читать книгу When Hearts Heal - Linda K. Estes - Страница 20

16…SMILE AWAY

Good morning! Have you ever started a project with a rough estimate in mind of how long it would take to complete only to find out that your estimate was way off? And when the project takes a lot longer to complete, do you get really frustrated? I was talking to a friend after church about this very thing. He told me that now when he does projects, he adds at least an hour on to his perceived time of completion just to handle all of the unexpected things that come up as you try to get something done. Smart!

Perception also plays an important part of what type of relationship we have with God. Some people sadly believe that God sits up in heaven watching and waiting for you to mess up so He can zap you or punish you for your failure. Others believe that God doesn’t want us to have any fun because we are supposed to take life seriously. I can only imagine how these false perceptions of God must really hurt His heart. Our Heavenly Father does continually watch us but for much different reasons than those inaccuracies listed above. Scripture clearly tells us what kind of God we serve. For example, when we sin and mess up, God is sitting there ready to forgive us, pick us up, dust us off, and set us back on the right path. 1 John 1:9 says it this way, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God desires the best things for His children. He is eager to bless us, and rejoices when we enjoy this life that He has given us. As believers we should be the happiest people on the face of this earth, regardless of any situation in our life because we have the hope that is found through Jesus Christ. Even through trials and tribulation, we need to remember what scripture tells us. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comprehension.” Praying people will see that we belong to the Lord because of our positive and happy disposition.

Lord, may we always rejoice in the blessings of being Yours. Amen.