Big Picture Living
Know it!
When my boys were little, they brought art projects home from school. As a non-creative mom, it made my day to see Jake and Andrew creatively expressing their ideas on paper. However, I will never forget one day that led to a very memorable conversation!
As I looked at Jake’s project, I had no idea what to say. I wanted to find something positive, but I was at a loss for words. Honestly, I had no idea what the picture was. I asked Jake a few prompting questions and learned the picture was a vase with flowers. “Mom, can’t you tell?” came my son’s question. “Of course, honey, now I see it” came my reassuring reply.
Sometimes we see our lives much like I saw Jake’s art project. We know something is there but we have no idea what is going on. As a result, we may go to the Lord with a few prompting questions. “Lord, what is this obstacle I face?” “Lord, how can I figure out what You are calling me to do?” “Lord, when will I understand your plan for my life?” "Lord, why this path or plan?"
Thankfully, God can handle our questions and He knows exactly the picture He is creating with our lives. You see, God sees the big picture! This means God sees and knows every detail going on in our lives-- past, present, and future. Not only does God see and know every detail going on in our lives, God uses every detail in our lives to draw us closer to Him. I can think of no greater reassurance of truth than this--- God sees, God knows, and God cares!
Each day we have the chance to live with a big picture perspective. Big-picture-living understands there is more going on in us and around us than we can see, measure, or comprehend. One mark of a mature believer in Jesus is displayed in big-picture-living. At the heart of big-picture-living resides the belief that God is in control of our lives even when our lives seem out of control.
Live it!
In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon gave the following instructions. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, New International Version) This passage of scripture provides the basic building blocks for big-picture-living.
We must trust the Lord! For me, one of the hardest times to trust the Lord is when I have no idea what He is doing in my life. Placing my trust in the Lord during confusing times displays a heart that believes God sees and knows every detail going on in my life. Not only that, I understand that His way is the best way. This leads us to our second truth.
We must forsake an earthly perspective on our situation! Oh, how challenging this point can be! Solomon made this point clear when he said, “lean not on your own understanding.” Forsaking my perspective shows I understand that my view is limited. I can only see what I can see. God is much bigger. He is much wiser. His plan is beyond my comprehension. Therefore, instead of leaning on my understanding, I do one thing--- I acknowledge the Lord. The word acknowledge that is used in this verse means to understand to the point that I know the difference between right and wrong. What is the difference between right and wrong? Right is embracing God and walking the path He has for my life. Wrong is trying to fight for my path as I trust my temporary perspective.
Today you can know that God is creating an eternal picture with your life. The best way to view and understand this picture occurs as you embrace an eternal or big picture perspective. This type of perspective allows us to trust the Lord with all our hearts no matter how confusing our life may seem. As we embrace a big picture perspective, we discover something amazing. The areas of life that once seemed confusing will slowly come into focus as we trust God and know these reassuring truths-- God sees, God knows, and God cares for you!
Share it!
Do you have an area of life that is confusing or hard to understand?
How does this area impact your focus in life?
How can you acknowledge the Lord’s plan in this area of life?
As you live with a big picture perspective, what Christ-like qualities will be demonstrated through your life?
Want to go deeper? Download Andrea's new eBook:
Trusting God with Anything & Everything
Much Love!
Andrea