-Strength for Today- "How Do You See Your Life?" - James 4:13-15

   From the reflection of our mental mirror, we can see your life. And from that reflection we can examine our inner "self" on the basis of time. Now listen, the only way you can accomplish this, is to look in two directions, and that is:

·       Backward and

·       Forward.

    In many ways what you see in your “past”, and what you visualize in your “future”, often determines how you view yourself “today”, which is that third dimension that we call "the present." And as you take a long look back, there’s one overriding thought that “overshadows” all the others. It’s not new nor is it profound, but is very true:

·       Life is short, and

·       This observation isn’t just from experience,

 But is biblical. Psalm 90, throughout its seven-teen verses, is loaded with reminders of the brevity of life, like… “yesterday when it passes by…as a watch in the night . . . like grass, it sprouts and withers . . . like a sigh, soon it is gone. Therefore, it’s a fact that life is indeed short.

      But as we look ahead, we again see one major message. And it's neither new nor profound, but it’s true, in that, life is “uncertain”. Because most events in our future are "unexpected." Such as:

·       Unexpected surgeries,

·       Unexpected benefits.

·       Unexpected promotions,

·       Unexpected sickness, and

·       Unexpected demotions

     Therefore, it’s fact that life is indeed “uncertain”.  But as we accurately describe this “uncertainty,” you don’t have to be a “Rhode Scholar” peering through “rose-colored glasses”, to grasp the fact that life is “uncertain.” and yet it’s packed with:

·       Challenging

·       Possibilities.

    And because it’s “uncertain”, there’re daily “challenging adjustments” that must be made. I do believe that's much of what Jesus meant when He promised us an “abundant life,” (John 10:10b), that is, abundant with challenges, running over with possibilities, filled with opportunities to adapt, shift, alter, and change. Come to think of it, that's the secret of staying young! It’s also the path that leads to:

·       Hopefulness and

·       Motivation.

    Therefore, with each new dawning, life delivers a fresh new package to your front door. And when you hear that door-bell ring tomorrow morning:

·       Thank God for the gift of life, and

·       Thank Him for another chance to serve Him in the life that He’s given you!

Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD