Picture

We have taken a great many pictures lately because we have had many celebrations over the past month. Some photos were good, some blurry and out of focus while other captured a true reflection of the moment.  Pictures are reminders of times shared, places visited, events celebrated, and things we want to remember, etc.  But as I was walking yesterday, I was thinking about the actual process of photography.  I do not have a fancy camera, and really many of my pictures are taken on my phone, but I still get things out of focus even with what is called an "idiot proof" camera. I aim and push ....and hope that the picture will turn out, and be a worthy image of a what I want to remember, but is does not always happen. My focus is off, or I am not still, or I am trying too hard to capture too many things at one time and not concentrating on one actual target.  

And my mind ran down a rabbit trail thinking about focusing. With a camera, you have one small viewpoint window to contend with.  

The image that I am trying to capture is seen through that little window. I am focused on that because I want to remember whatever it is that I have chosen to view and that which I want to look back on in reflection.  We picture in our mind images that reflect our thoughts. And I came to the thought of the picture that I have in my mind of God. Though my window of understanding and wisdom is very limited, I can picture Christ being with me in unknown territory, or walking with me in darkness, or comforting me in times of sorrow, or lifting me up when my strength has given way.  I see him not so much as an image of recognition but more of a clouded, Spirit in motion and hovering. I had a window seat on a plane this past week, and had a chance to just gaze out at the clouds. I watched as we soared above them in lifted flight, and as I did,  I thought: this is what happens when we keep a clear focus on God.  We are lifted above the circumstances and leave the Holy Spirit to be the very barrier that allows us to soar to heavenly heights through our faith, and in our thoughts, and our emotions. The picture was clear and in focus, even though my viewing window was small.

I have a tendency to stay below the clouds and let circumstances hover over me instead of allowing God the opportunity to lift me over the circumstances, giving me a quite different perspective. It is one that hovers in a peace that passes all understanding, rather than  chaos that that triggers fear.   Focus; it is not so much a matter of what I am focusing on rather who I am focusing on.  For God is the image that trumps all others.  If I direct my efforts to focusing on Him, then as crazy as the circumstances are around me, I will be able to reflect on a clear picture taken of God's presence, peace, and partnership with me. 

We all, if we close our eyes and try to imagine God, will have a different image take shape of His presence. We base our views on   our beliefs, experiences and imagination.  But no matter how we adjust our lens, or how fancy our camera is, the true image of God never changes.  He is our creator, our provider, our helper, our manager, our father, and our savior.  He is all things to all of His children.  It is only when we focus on His truths, His mighty power, and His sovereignty, that we will have a clear picture of His grace,  His mercy and His everlasting love. May your image of God be brought into focus, and may you carry a picture of Him in you mind and in your heart today and forever. Picture this: you are loved, loved, loved by a heavenly father who wants only the best for you, and will do whatever it takes to bring you to himself.  

Isaiah 40:18-19

With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? As for an idol, a metalworker casts it,  and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it.

Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Dear Lord, My worldly pictures do get out of focus, quite often. But help me to remember that those pictures are not the ones that

have eternal significance; it is only when I reflect on the clear image of you that I will find a peace that trumps chaos. Amen  

Praise God wherever you are or whatever situations he has allowed you to be in, for his glory will shine through.