Reflections

Reflections… a careful and serious consideration. I believe it is a good thing to reflect over your life! It is important to see that there is growth and forward movement. Usually at the end of each year, people will begin to reflect over their lives. Some become very disheartened and discouraged. Some feel that they want more time in this year to finish some things before beginning a new year. Some are so excited about a New Year as if something changes because we are going into another year. Consider where you are and think to yourself, have I truly grown this year? Have I accomplished some of my goals that I set at the beginning of this year of 2011? Where am I going? Will I try to finish what I began in this year as I enter into the New Year of 2012?

Philippians 3:13 tells us, “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,” It is important that we do not live in the past because then we can stay stuck there. We will compare everything to our past and miss all the things ahead! When you review your past, be honest and see how far you have come, consider God’s absolute grace in your life and be mindful that God does not want you to stay there! It is His will that we continue to grow from glory to glory! We see this in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

So, although you cannot take back things done in the past, remember you can always work on how you are in the future! “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17.  What an amazing thought, He is the God of a second, third, fourth, etc (you get the point) chance! But, remember you have to surrender so you can experience ALL that He has for you!

Yes, there will be things that will remind you of your past, just know that God wants to use your past to propel you into your future. Reflect and know that although you might have missed the mark at times, there will be another opportunity to try again until you take your last breath! Praise God for that! Run this race set before you in His strength and know that you do not have to keep up with anyone here on earth! Just know that He has great plans for you and remain in step with His Spirit! “A person's steps are directed by the LORD, and the LORD delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

Natalie Young

Daughter of the most High God

Contentment

Philippians 4:11 tells us, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

However, what does it mean to be content? Do you have to settle for what you have? Contentment is defined as…mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are; willing to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action, etc.

Does this mean that where you are and what condition you find yourself in is your final destination or can you continue to strive for more and trust God to help you to keep coming up higher?  Well, I believe He wants us to understand the difference with accepting where you currently are and knowing that there is more.  You will not remain in this circumstance/s forever. You see, there are some things that you cannot change (this is just truly out of your control). Then there are those things that you can… through Christ! Praise Him for that!

The Bible goes on to tell us in Philippians 4:12…”I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.”  Whatever your situation is, know that you can find peace and assurance in the midst of it! There will be times when you feel as though there is absolutely nothing available to you or for you and yet there is. Ask for God’s help so you will be able to recognize it. If you find yourself in little, know that He is God and will always take good care of you!  He wants us to totally trust Him and in Him alone. Make up your mind to live in a content state no matter what the circumstance/s may be.  Complaining will change nothing.

I can remember wondering so often when my husband was unemployed and we did not know how we would pay all our bills & on time at that. How would we have enough food? How would we be able to even drive without money for gas? And would we even be able to keep our home? I cannot explain but I knew (was completely content…my mind was made up… in God alone) that He would supply some how and some way. To God be the glory, during that year and ½ each bill was paid on time, we never went without food, there was always enough gas in the tank, we kept our home and paid the mortgage each month on time, never asking anyone for help except God and knowing that He would supply. Please be encouraged, He is not a respecter of persons, if He did it for me and my family, He definitely wants to do the same for you! When you live with contentment (assurance that God is in control no matter what) you will have total peace!

Natalie Young

Daughter of the most High God