It’s Time To Step Back
Perhaps it’s time to step back, and shift your gaze to God?
If I remain too close to something I will fixate upon it. This rumination causes it to encapsulated nearly everything I see. Like the close-up image of the leaf I’ve shared above, the close proximity allows me to notice every tiny detail. I’ve found this to be true when I’m faced with an overwhelming circumstance. If I purposefully stay in the middle of it trying to figure it all out, it too will consume my vision and thoughts, which can lead me to feeling overwhelmed. When I feel overwhelmed by something, I tend to fall also victim to a fixation on resolution.
I want to look at “it” over and again, and from different angles… contemplating questions like: What am I doing wrong? How could she/he say/do/think ___?! What did I miss? How could I have avoided this? Conscious of it or not: I am seeking to discern where I lost control of the outcome — and how to gain control. Have you ever been there, too?
SELF “HOPE”
This space is what I call a self-hope. “If I can just understand it, maybe I can fix it” might just be the “hope” we are telling ourselves here. In such moments – we fall for the falsehood of a “hope” in our own ability or strength. But we who follow Jesus are not a people without hope! He is our hope. If we place our hope in our own abilities or anything within our own strength, then we will find quickly that our “hope” will fail us. However, if we place our hope upon Hope eternal Himself, we will find that our hope is immovable and unshakable. Undeniable, even.
STEP BACK TO SEE A REAL HOPE
Beloved, whatever that thing is you are wrestling, I hope you’ll step back and begin to shift your gaze to God. Even if it’s only an inch or two. Inch by inch, you’ll make progress. As you shift your gaze off of your circumstances, choose to look to Jesus. Sometimes this is practical like reading the Bible, praying, or listening to / singing worship songs. Perhaps through serving others and giving to those in need. I believe placing our eyes onto Jesus often includes remembering His faithfulness; there is so much power in the telling of our stories. Stories that remind you that He is your anchor, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). Through placing your eyes onto Him and shifting your gaze away from your circumstances — through stepping back — you’ll begin to see again just how big your faithful, loving God is.
He is the author of your peace. He is where true hope is found.
VERSES TO REMEMBER
“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.” Psalm 42:5 AMP
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…” Hebrews 6:19a NIV
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 NLT
RESOURCE FOR REST
Perhaps you need to rest? Sometimes, feelings of overwhelm are amplified because our resources are depleted. I find I have a shorter fuse and tolerance, when I’m tired or not truly resting in God. Check out my devotional titled REST: Choosing Peace, Growth, and Learning Holy Rest on Amazon, Walmart.com, Barnes & Noble, or other online retailers for a simple, guided approach to intentional rest. (Amazon link HERE)
