I read a quote from Corrie Ten Boom and it “spoke” to me this morning:
Look without and be distressed. Look within and be depressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest.
Let’s take that apart for a moment.
“Look without and be distressed.” Ain’t that the truth!! I’d tell you to read or watch the news, but that could put in you into distress. 🙂 It seems as if our country and our world is getting more and more lawless each day. It is distressing.
“Look within and be depressed.” So many voices today tell us, “Be empowered within.” “You have it within you to change your world.” That is a dead end. Broken people can’t fix things. They need fixed first and there is only One who can do that.
“Look at Jesus and be at rest.” Jesus promised His peace to all who come to Him. He said, “Take my yoke upon you and I will give you rest.” Jesus is the Rock. He is the One who offers stability. He is the One who walks with us no matter what storms rage on the outside or inside.
Corrie gave us some good advice. Keep your focus on Jesus.
Oh, Amen!!!!
Thanks Diane.
Father, there is a lot of outside noise, and so many opinions from the culture, thank-you that You can drown them all out. I only need to keep my eyes and heart fixed on You. Thank-you for walking along side me, guiding me and giving me a place to rest when it all gets to loud. I owe it all to You, my Savior, Thank-you
You are so right Gail. Outside noise can be drowning. Focus on Him. Focus on Him. I keep telling myself that.
I second Gail’s response… It is easy to be overwhelmed by the noise of culture, media, and well-intentioned individuals. I heard it put this way… be respectful, but have selective hearing. Listen to the Spirit that God has placed within us. Allow that voice to take precedent over our other internal voice and the voices of the world.
My perception, Ryan, is that the “be respectful” is often missing. As is, the selective hearing. We should have an ear more tuned to the voice of the Spirit who lives within us.