As I spent some time on my own, I discovered a book in my Library and found particular meaning, as I have been feeling especially overwhelmed by the daily battles in Erie to bring peace and light to a dark world.
The following reminded my of the transient nature of life on earth and how much we make of what humans call their "15 minutes of fame:"
"Why are we so quick to forget God?...
I find myself relearning this lesson often. Even though I glimpse God's holiness, I am still dumb enough to forget that life is all about God and not about me at all.
It goes sort of like this...
Suppose you are an extra in an upcoming movie. You will probably scrutinize that one scene where hundreds of people are milling around just waiting for that two-fifths of a second when you can see the back of your head. Maybe your mom and your closest friend get excited about that two-fifths of a seond with you... *maybe.* But no one else will realize it is you. Even if you tell them, they won't care.
Let's take it a step further. What if you rent out the theater on opening night and invite all your friends and family to come see the new movie about you? People will say, "You're an idiot! How could you think this movies is about you?"
Now consider the movie of life...
God creates the world.... [[God operates throughout time in various ways and eventually...]]
...the climax: The Son of God is born among the people whom God still loves. While in this world, the Son teaches His followers what true love looks like. Then the Son of God dies and is ressurrected and goes back to be with God...
From start to finish, this movie is obviously about God. He is the main character. How is it possible that we live as though it is all about us?...
We have only our two-fifths-of-a-second-long scene to live. I don't know about you, but I want my two-fifths of a second to be about my making much of God. First Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." This is what each of our two-fifths of a second is about.
Frankly, you need to get over yourself. It might sound harsh, but that's seriously what it means...
..maybe life is tough right now, and everything feels like a struggle....you can show the world that your God is great and that knowing Him brings peace and joy, even when life is hard. Like the psalmist who wrote, "I saw the prosperity of the wicked... Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure...When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the santuary of God" (Psalms 73:3, 13, 16-17). It is easy to become disillusioned with the circumstances of our lives compared to others'. But in the presence of God, He gives us a deeper peace and joy that trancends it all....
It is His movie, His world, His gift."
[[Crazy Love, Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan]]
As I reflected on what I read, I was reminded of a scripture that has carried me through the many terrible circumstances I have encountered in my time on earth:
~Ne timeas quia tecum sum ego ne declines quia Deus tuus confortavi te et ausiliatus sumtui et suscepi te destera iusti mei~
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)
::SELAH::
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