ALL IN THE TIMING
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NKJV)
Are we there yet? You have either uttered these words or heard them from the back seat while driving to a destination. Other variables of this are: When are we going to get there? What is taking so long? Please hurry…I have to go to the bathroom!
I love the destination of a vacation, a dinner, or a family gathering. I just don’t like the journey sometimes. Maybe I’m just nosey or a control freak, but I want to know when we are going to be there…wherever there happens to be. There are probably many family members who have trauma because of my nagging to know the ETA of the trip.
What often gets missed in the focus on the destination is the beauty of the trip. Some of the most beautiful scenery can be seen through a car's windows or windshield. Have you ever driven by a field of flowers or seen wildlife living their best lives as you drive by? The warm glow of the sun shining on your face? The nighttime sky full of twinkling stars? The sound and smell of rain falling?
All of these are beautiful in their own way. God, as we see in Ecclesiastes, makes things beautiful in His time. His timing is perfect. Our lives are beautiful even with all our imperfections. Life is to be lived and experienced in the present. Sometimes we miss the beauty of the now because we are focused on the latter; we miss the beauty of the journey because we are focused on the destination.
Are you concerned about what happens when this life is over? Are you focused on how the end of this life will play out? You are in good company if you’re wondering about these things. When the disciples ask, in so many words, When are we going to get there? Jesus tells them in Acts 1:6-8 that God has planned it. Rest assured that God has it all figured out.
APPLICATION: Spend 5 minutes walking outside. Focus first on the beauty you see, then the beauty you hear, and, if applicable, the beauty you feel or smell. Take a moment to thank God for His creation.
PRAYER: Father, help me to see the beauty today and praise You for it. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?