Look Up

The world is constantly vying for our attentions. Cell phones have given us the ability to hold virtually our entire lives within the palms of our hands. Video games and television have caused many of us to be glued to 33-inch box for hours each day – completely oblivious to what may be going on around us. The glitz and glamour of our technological society has caused our focus to be narrowed. Our world individual worlds seem smaller, because our eyes are cast down at our iPhones (or other “I”-devices). As a result, every circumstance that comes our way suddenly looms larger in our eyes than they may truly be.  Our points-of-view in life are skewed. Our distresses and trials seem greater, and more daunting. Tribulations appear to be insurmountable. Personal triumphs lead to bigger egos. Interest in the concerns/affairs of others dwindles, unless it be the gossip we indulge in for personal entertainment. Unfortunately, our view of God is being downsized as a result of these attention-stealing gadgets.

Let’s be clear on one thing: I’m not against “toys.” Do not throw your television set out the window; don’t downgrade to the $8.99 phone at Radio Shack; don’t donate your iPod to Good Will. Gadgets aren’t evil, if put in the hands of a wise person. So, let’s get wise.

Christianity has a shrinking view of the power and majesty of God. We all know God “created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1). We know “the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick” (Jas 5:15).  We know that “God is faithful” (1Cor 1:9), and that “God is love (1John 4:7). “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). However, find a Christian in distress, and it seems unlikely they will hold fast to these confessions. “Yea, but” is becoming an increasingly popular phrase the people of God. In the words of Christian author Jesse Duplantis, I’m telling you, “you gotta get your ‘but’ out of the way.” 

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psa 121:1-2). God’s throne is not up on Mt Rainier, but his power and majesty is seen there. You serve a God who spoke that into being! “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psa 124:8). Look at what Paul writes in 1Thessolanians 5:24, “the One who has called you is faithful, and He will do it.” God will take care of anything that we place in His hands. Yet, if we have a limited view of what God is capable of handling, then we cannot have any confidence in His ability to handle our circumstances. Then our faith is of no value. Faith is confidence (Heb 11:1), so without confidence there is no faith, and “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb 11:6).

Sometimes, we forget God’s “bigness.” That is what the psalmist is striving after. Even if you are not currently experiencing some kind of distressful situation in your life, look up! See the greatness of our God. Allow the Holy Spirit to stir up a fresh revelation of the glory of God in your life. Put down the phone. Leave Facebook alone for a few days. Take a hike; go to the beach; sit in the grass and admire the sky. Allow the greatness of Who God is to wash over you, and get a greater understanding of how vast this God truly is. Then, when circumstances arise, they will not seem so daunting in your eyes. When others are in distress and turmoil, you can walk with your head held high - knowing that the One who spoke the stars into existence is in control of your circumstances. And your circumstances pale in comparison Who He is.