There are certain things I have in my home that are special to me. You might just look at them on the surface and think they’re an interesting choice of decor. I look at them and remember the back story. The items are not the treasure. Let me be clear on that. The people they represent are gone from this earth and they will always be treasured. So, in that way, the tangible items represent someone who is irreplaceable to me. I can look at the items and remember whatever it is at the time that brings me comfort concerning my loved ones. These memories matter to me.
In the same way, how we live our lives in the here and now matters. We’re sometimes tempted to think that it doesn’t. “Why should I do the right thing? Nobody else is.” This is definitely a lie the enemy whispers. Don’t fall for it! Your choice of words, actions, motives etc. do matter. You may not “feel” like they do but your feelings are volatile. They come and go like a roller coaster. You have to have rock solid facts to base your life on. “Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.” (Malachi 3:16 NLT) This is absolutely amazing to me! It’s as if our words of praise are literally writing a love note to The Lord. He’s listening and taking notice. Something in the heavenlies is writing it down when we speak of the goodness of God. It’s that important to Him. So, having said that, on the flip side of things, shouldn’t His written Word to us be of the utmost importance? Should we not get our directions in life from the very One who created life itself? Why should we run around confused and discouraged all the time when the answers are right at our fingertips?
People are not going to “fix” whatever ails you. That’s actually putting too much pressure on them anyway. You don’t have what it takes to remove the brokenness inside of anyone else either. A change of location, a new house, new car, luxurious vacation etc. does not have the power to transform you. Only Jesus is up to the task. He’s the only way. In fact, the Bible says, “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6 NLT) We are aware of this in our hearts. God made us to know this fact. He wouldn’t ask us to believe something that He didn’t create us to believe. That’s when this world makes sense. That’s the only way. That’s why Who you get your life’s direction from matters. Who you run to in times of trouble matters. What you spend your time on matters!
“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT) He has hardwired us to understand that “forever” exists. He explains that we don’t have the ability to know the very beginning from the end but He does. He gives us the chance to know Him! That’s even better! We don’t have to have all the details. We just have to know The One who does! This makes sense.
In closing, daily life is challenging. It’s super easy when nobody is looking to take the easy way out. “The high road is not making the agenda today,” you may think to yourself. Don’t be that way. God is watching and listening. He knows your efforts. He knows how hard you’re trying to do this and that. Invite Him to take the reins and make life more peaceful. You may not think anyone notices or even cares about your efforts but He does! To Him, it matters.
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.
