Re:Verse reading–Luke 12:22-34 (day three)
“Consider the lilies.” Considering, mulling something over, or––more to the point––meditating, just seems a little…weird. But so what? So is the entire Christ life when compared with the world’s way of living. Meditation means holding something before the mind in such a way that it overwhelms all other thoughts for a time. In this way, we will come to know and believe the things that Jesus teaches. Meditation will seem difficult to most of us. But let’s understand something. We already practice the harmful mirror image of mediation. It’s called worry. Worrying, too, is holding something before the mind so that it overwhelms all other thoughts. Jesus tells us to use these skills to meditate instead of to worry. When we do, when we consider the lilies, then we will know that we are in his care.
Thank you for a most timely word. Daniel Henderson, in “Old Paths New Power” defines discouragement as “a temporary loss of perspective.” He goes on to say that “…we cannot lose perspective but must trust the Lord for the grace to press on in full belief of His extrordinaty promises & stated purposes in connection to prayer.”
Judy, that’s perfect: a loss of perspective. The evidence to the contrary of our discouragement and worry is all around us, but we must consider it, weigh it, hold it before our minds.