Looking Out…
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
I realize that God often draws me to look in after reading my devotion. I got ready for work and was still a bit fuzzy, but there was a sense that things were clearing up again. Was it the coffee or the Scripture? Honestly, I couldn’t tell, but I was glad I was feeling better. As I looked out the window in my living room, I noticed the sun was shining brightly. The promise of a new day was present. Part of me enjoyed the sun on my face while I also squinted my eyes at the brightness of the light. Funny, that’s how I felt reading the Bible: part of me enjoyed the truth I was receiving, and part of me wanted to recoil from it. I felt exposed. I felt vulnerable. Part of me wanted to hide.
As I got into my car, I wondered if other people struggled the way I did. Were their lives as disorganized as mine? Did they wonder about God’s love for them? When I looked at other people in their cars driving to work, I imagined they all had it together. Their kids were well behaved; their marriages were awesome; they had strong relationships with God. Before I knew it, that defeated feeling came back as I compared myself to the imagined lives of other people. I’ve often heard the concept that comparison kills. I could relate to that at that very moment. My mind knew no one had a perfect life, but my heart was pulling me down because of my mistakes. I really needed some encouragement and hope. Maybe a good day at work would help.
APPLICATION: As you notice other people today, pray for them. If you have a chance, ask them how you can pray for them. Thank God that you have access to Him at any time to pray.
PRAYER: Father, bless those around me today. Give them more of You. Let them experience the love of their Father. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?