Inside Out
“ Isn’t it odd? We can only see our outsides, but nearly everything happens on the inside.” Charlie Mackesy
On the outside we might all look fine, but to varying degrees we are all carrying some residue from this global season of turmoil, isolation, loss of business’s, community, and for some the very deep loss of a loved one.
I have found myself wanting everything to go back to ‘normal’ because that feels safe and familiar, but that is not what the Lord has for us. He is the God who brings beauty from ashes, makes our souls well again, and calls us into new seasons. If you are a Christ follower you are a citizen of a different kingdom, an ever increasing Kingdom. We are not supposed to ‘go back to normal’ but rather we are called to move forward in all God has for us. Of course we do not forget or dismiss the deep pain some are carrying, but Our Father is inviting us to see things from His perspective which is always a good one. He is waiting to meet us with new opportunities, fresh hope, renewed peace and many testimonies of His provision in the year ahead. He longs for our souls to be well as we trust him for new mercies and turn our ear to hear Him tell us of the new things He has for us. Where others may only see our ‘outsides,’ He is the God who sees our ‘insides’ and knows our thoughts. He sees the souls that might feel dry and weary and He brings forth streams to refresh us. He sees hearts that might have lost their first love and extends an invitation to come close again and gain new perspective of His love and good plans. He offers peace to the anxious soul and great hope where hopelessness has settled.
We live in a world of turmoil but we are not of this world. We are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and our King who makes all things new, remains seated on His throne. At the beginning of a new year, let’s accept the invitation to take on a new perspective, to believe deep inside our souls, that God is good and has good plans for us. He sees you, He loves you and great is His faithfulness towards you!
“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”” - Revelation 21:5 NIV
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” - 3 John 1:2 NIV
“It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. [Mal. 3:6.] They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. [Isa. 33:2.]” - Lamentations 3:22-23 AMPC
