If you were to write a story about your present life, would it begin with "Once Upon a Time" or "It Was a Dark and Stormy Night?" In listening to people talking and in reading posts on social media, these two viewpoints seem to be the most prominent views of life today. Let me try to explain these views quickly.
First, we have the view expressed by "Once Upon a Time." This view is locked into a past experience or time period in which the person remembers everything as being good and at least close to perfect. That person's wish is to return to the "good old days." The hope is that somehow time could be reversed and we could all return to a pleasant, happy time that would restore joy to the person's life. Remember that most, if not all, fairy tales end with the phrase "And they lived happily ever after."
Second, there is the view expressed by "It Was a Dark and Stormy Night." This view finds it impossible to see anything positive or good today and only anticipates greater disaster around the corner. In our sleep when we experience this view, we call it a nightmare and all we want to do is wake up. But for the person holding this view in real life, there is no waking up to make it go away. They only add more and more fear and disappointment to the view daily. Horror movies are filled with screams and death.
What is a more realistic view of life? There are many wonderful memories that we cherish and new ones that are a continuing part of our lives. But likewise, there are many difficult and sometimes painful experiences that are part of the human experience. Where do we find understanding and hope in the midst of this dichotomy of life's confusing ups and downs?
If the majority of people are dominated by these two views, where can we find a view of life that deals realistically with the past and present of life and allows us hope for the future? When I consider that life can be filled with both joy and celebration, and at times, sadness and sorrow, I am drawn to one of the most familiar chapters in the Bible. It is a chapter that is familiar to those who regularly read and study the Bible and to those who only infrequently are listeners of a sermon or the reading of Scripture. Psalm 23 was written by David during his days as a shepherd before becoming king of the unified Israel and Judah. It is a reminder that God is capable of seeing us through life regardless of the circumstances when we trust in Him.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Trusting in God alone for direction and hope in life requires a consistent faith that allows us to look beyond the circumstances that surround us, the memories that hold us, and even the fears of the future that disturb us. God is the creator of all and knows the path that we need to take. Too often we choose the path of politicians, possessions, power, pressure, or prestige. These all lead to disappointment and ultimately to destruction. Following God as He revealed Himself through Jesus Christ and gave us His truth recorded in the Bible is the only path that is filled with hope and leads to His promise of eternal life.
There is a better way to live than living in fairy tales or horror movies. Jesus said that He came into our world in human flesh that we might know Him, and as a result, have life in abundance. Abundance was not used to mean worldly possessions or wealth but rather to mean fulness and life with meaning and purpose. Maybe this would be a good time to consider your view of life. It might be time to change the picture and let God give you a fresh perspective and view through Him.
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