Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Perspective

I think sometimes when we take a look at what others are going through, it gives us perspective.

There is a dangerous line in doing this because when we look around at others, we tend to compare and justify and do more damage than good. If we would just:
Turn our eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the Light of His glory and grace.


My pain is pain no matter where I'm looking. I could compare it to someone having a splinter or to someone suffering with cancer. None of that changes the actual pain that I feel. It just changes my perspective on the pain. So, I choose to take pain, joy, suffering or anything (physical or emotional) to Christ.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

7 comments:

Bethany said...

You're right. Your pain is yours, and you have a right to feel it, no matter how much pain others might be in.

Thank God He doesn't tell us to "Come to me, all you who are suffering from the worst pain imaginable." He wants all of it, because He wants all of us.

Michelle V said...

Rachel,

You're right, and I will often start comparing my pain to others and decide mine is trivial compared to others, but it's still pain and should be taken to the feet of Jesus!

Blessings
Michelle

Emily said...

so true Rachel...when we look at Christ we are free to be who we are in the midst of the pain. If we look to others as a measure of comparison or anything unhealthy, we struggle and strive to be better at maybe handling the pain, am I selfish, am I immature, am I ...the list could go on. In Christ there is freedom, in pain, joy, suffering, everything!
Good word!

The Legatowicz said...

oh, I just love Matt. 11:28-30; it is one of my favorite verses and has gotten me through some rough times. Glad that you are taking comfort in that promise; I'm so thankful that He is able to take all our baggage and stuff because we certainly can't handle it ourselves.

Off the subject...I just love the new family pic you put up on here...Rachel, not only are you beautiful on the outside, you're beautiful on the inside too!

Karen Hossink said...

Take it all to Jesus. Yes. That's where we need to go with our everything!
I love that chorus, too. When we look at Him, nothing else holds weight. HE is all that really matters. *peaceful sigh*

Jackie Sue said...

You are exactly right, Rachel. Your pain is all you know and He wants us to bring our pain...big or small...all of it to Him. Sometimes when we compare we will make it smaller so we don't have to deal with it or bigger so it seems to big to deal with...either way, the only way to be comforted is to take it to the One who loves you so. Blessings.

Stacey said...

i'm with you. wish i could be physically, too...