Looking Above

Today I am tired and world-weary. Life would be so pleasant if every situation was clean and there was an unanimous consensus about how to handle it. We could all give a wave of "ayes" or "nays" and then go out and get coffee or pick flowers together. Instead, we get down in the muck and mire of daily living and we get messy in the process. What we had hoped would be so clear-cut becomes a confusing, hurtful battle.

This morning as I struggled to make sense of one such situation, I envisioned myself deep in suffocating mud, gasping, searching for an escape. When I got my head out of the thick oozing mess, I was able to inhale deeply and look toward the pure oxygen of the heavens, toward the only One who could offer direction. The bible verses that brought on such an illustration are Colossians 3:1-4. They encourage me to set my mind on Christ and the things above, not to focus on what I am dealing with here on earth, but on Him and His goodness, and the hope of heaven.

The whole third chapter of Colossians has helped me to shift my focus on many occasions. Everytime I memorize a passage of scripture I benefit from it substantially. The words come to mind when I need reminded, or I am drawn to the portion of scripture because I know in my heart what it contains. Colossians three is probably at the top of that list. Take a look:

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one
another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just
as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing each other with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:12-17)

Wow. When I study these verses I have no possibility to come away unchanged. I may not be able to make an entire situation better. I may feel overwhelmed with the ramifications of the problem. What I can do, however, is use this passage as a guideline and search my heart. Did I display gentleness and patience? Was I willing to forgive any wrongs suffered? Am I striving to preserve the unity of the believers? Is my heart overflowing with thankfulness to God? How did I respond? I suppose that is the reason that most situations aren't easily remedied. If they were, I would have no occasion to check my heart, to seek God's guidance, and to strive to please Him in my response. I must be thankful in all circumstances. I thank the God who gives grace, changes hearts, and shares peace with troubled hearts. He is so good, even when this earth is not.