A new perspective is so often what I need. This past weekend, I officially entered my 50’s and “wasting away” takes on new meaning. Unfortunately, it’s not my “waistline” that’s decreasing. This is one of those birthdays I was not looking forward to for several reasons —and I KNOW! — 50 is the new 40, just like 40 was the new 30. Nevertheless, it was a decade I wish I could stall for a bit. We’ve been talking about our mindset and thought life in this Finding Freedom from Fear series, and today’s passage from the lesson was so appropriate:
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. —2 Corinthians 4:16-18
This milestone in my life was the perfect occasion to ask myself some questions based on these verses:
Do I see my troubles as light and momentary or large and looming?
Do I focus more on the outward wasting away or the inward renewal?
Do I fixate on the “seen” rather than seeking glimpses of the unseen eternal?
Do any of these resonate with you?
Too often the gravity pull of this world tempts me to get wrapped up in and often overwhelmed by the here and now. But as I renew my mind in the truths of God’s Word and who HE is, I am reminded that the perspective I choose in the midst of the here and now not only affects my attitude but my joy, my contentment, my peace, and my relationships. And I do have a choice —gravity pull or glory perspective. For the TRUTH is, the unpleasant and hard in the here and now is most definitely achieving for me an eternal glory in Christ Jesus that far outweighs them all! Take a look at the preceding verses in this chapter — a great “BUT…!” passage:
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. —2 Corinthians 4:7-12
These are great truths to focus on when an attitude adjustment is needed.
Celebrating who HE is and all I am IN Him!
©2014 Susan Cady, susancady.com
