A Little Black Dot

I read an article recently about a high school teacher who gave a test to her class.  Each student got the test with the instructions not to turn it over until everyone had the test.  Her instructions were to write a few paragraphs about what they observed.  When they turned the paper over all that was on the page was a small, black dot in the middle of the page.  When the teacher graded their work she said they wrote some interesting thing about the dot in the middle but not one thing about all the space around the dot.

In life we are too often observant about the very small things in the life.  We dwell on the negative comments, the bad situations, the angry and discontented people when all around us is the light and love of God’s creation.  It’s easy to be sidetracked by someone who is angry with the preacher or the elders for a decision or sermon preached.  We are often attacked for things out of our control but that’s just a small “blip” in the everyday things of life.  Look around you.  See the blueness of the sky, hear the laughter of the children, remember the kindness of others.  Jesus was attacked for things that He was not responsible for but He focused on the task at hand.  He took walks alone and with friends.  He took time to pray for the situations He encountered.  He had fellowship with His followers.  Jesus never allowed the hard times to get Him down.  Satan would have you believe that you are not worthy, that you deserve the harsh criticism or the heavy feelings that you carry.  He wants you to lose heart.  He wants you to hang your head in dismay, shame, discouragement and fear.  

When you feel discouraged or want to lose heart, LOOK UP!  LOOK OUT!  Look longingly and lovingly to the One who loves you and encourages you.  Let your mantra every day be “GOD’S GOT THIS!”   Philippians 4:6-7:  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;   and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)

It’s hard to lose heart when you remember Who is in control.  

With love from my heart to yours,

Bev Watkins, Nashville, TN