Category: Future/stability/security

See yourself through God’s eyes

Published on by lindseybiggs1 Comment

How do you see yourself? As the spiritual image and likeness of infinite Spirit? As unlimited, beautiful, flawless, and perfect? If you see yourself as anything less, than take a look at yourself through God’s eyes!

You are of purer eyes than to behold evil…Habakkuk 1:13

When we start with our Creator — infinite, spiritual, and perfect — then it is natural for us to express God’s likeness.

We don’t need to allow ourselves to see anything less than the whole, talented, valuable, beloved, and free child of God.

When we start with our Source, we find a direct route to knowing our spiritual identity.

So what do we do with those negative messages coming to us? The Bible tells us of the supreme power and authority of good in our consciousness.

…those [thoughts] who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those [thoughts] who contend with you,but you shall not find them; those [thoughts] who war against you shall be as nothing at all. Isaiah 41:11,12

When we think of this passage in terms of thoughts, we see that any self-doubt, insecurity, fear, or lack — will be as nothing. We do not have to accept the negative messages coming to our consciousness. We can stand “porter at the door of thought”1 and allow only goodness to be manifested in our human consciousness and experience. When we awaken to our spiritually identity, moment by moment, it is like turning on a light and the darkness flees.

Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand…For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:10, 13

God is helping us to know the truth about ourselves. With God on our side, it doesn’t have to be hard. We can shut out the unhealthy and negative thoughts because they do not have validity or authority in God’s kingdom.

You don’t have to believe the negative voices in your head. They will NEVER be true. You are the loved and blessed child of a good, God. You will never be anything less. Put that limited picture of you behind you. See yourself through God’s eyes today.

—
1 Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 392

Living in harmony with nature

Published on by lindseybiggsLeave a comment

The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations…Revelation 22:2

20181027_113319.jpg

Being in the forest and witnessing the awesome beauty of nature has inspiring and transforming effects. A recent newspaper article reports that spending time in nature has many health benefits including a release of stress and anxiety. I think many of us have felt the calming effect of taking a walk through the woods.

I certainly love my walks in the woods and I especially love autumn leaves. To me, autumn leaves are a little way God is saying “see how awesome and beautiful I am!” The beautiful skies and gentle breezes in the leaves are incredible. On my walks I always gain much needed inspiration and feel an affinity for the Creator and creation.

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. Psalms 24:1

20181120_152021.jpgAll creation including the land, animals, and humans exist to show forth God’s awesomeness. Recognizing this enables us to appreciate each other and helps us find ways to live in harmony. How do we live in a way that enables every thing that has breath to praise the Lord? This was one of the questions posed by Dr. Barry Huff in his wonderful talk entitled “The Earth is the Lord’s…” (Ps 24:1): Biblical Inspiration for Sustainability.

God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. I John 4:16

When we dwell in love, we naturally express appreciation and respect for those around us including people, forests, and animals. Our prayers and actions can lead us to solutions for environmental challenges. When we broaden our sense of divine Love to include love and care for every living being, we see harmony, balance, and order restored to God’s beautiful creation.

Inspiration for the future

Published on by lindseybiggsLeave a comment

One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)

What I love about this passage is in the original Hebrew language it uses the word “shalom” to describe God’s plan. Shalom is one of those words that is packed full of meaning. It means peace, welfare, goodness, prosperity, total and complete wellbeing all in a single word. Imagine that! God’s will for you is goodness, welfare, peace, prosperity, complete and entire wellbeing. “God’s will” is a verb — it’s an action word. So, God is enforcing goodness, health, and wellbeing in your life.

When Jeremiah, the prophet, spoke this message to the people of Judah who were exiled in Babylon, it was a much needed message of hope. After the tumultuous events of 587 BCE including the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the Babylonian conquest of Judah, God’s promise was that God would restore the land and abundance, God would return the people to their home and out of exile, and there would be joy and celebration. It didn’t look like there was peace, but this message assured them that that was indeed God’s plan and so it came true.

This message is true for you, too! One time when I was feeling anxious about the future, I remembered this passage and God’s promise. This reminded me that God is in charge and God’s will is only good. God didn’t cause me to feel anxiety or doubt about my future, and I could overcome these thoughts by trusting God’s presence and power. I felt such a sense of peace and an assurance that God, good, was with me.

So the next time you are tempted to doubt or despair, know that God is not out to get you. Instead trust and remember that God’s plan for you is shalom — goodness, joy, peace, health, prosperity, and wellbeing, and God is willing this in your life!