Perspective is everything!! I am reminded of a saying, “You can’t see the forest through the trees.” What does this mean? It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by details, leading to a lack of perspective. We are so close to what we are navigating. As a result, we are not capable of fully seeing and recognizing what God is doing.
Often, my emotions, anxieties, and the cares of this world distract me from God’s peace. My consuming real-life challenges and responsibilities want to overwhelm me. It is the exact opposite of what God offers and promises. Yet, we hold tightly onto our dysfunctional ways of coping and navigating life, pressures and stress. We are afraid to trust and release control. The Bible encourages us to “Taste and see that the LORD is good!” Once we experience God’s peace and comfort, nothing else satisfies or compares.
We celebrate Easter, which for Christians around the world means hope, forgiveness and new life. Jesus took our sin, pain and rebellion onto Himself so that we would not have to. He offers us hope, forgiveness and a new life and new ways of being. Yet, we often hold onto our shame and sin because it has become our “normal”. Our normal is dysfunctional. He wants us to be capable of seeing Him clearly and to trust that He is in control.
Let us not be like the two followers of Jesus on their walk to Emmaus. They couldn’t even recognize who Jesus was after He rose from the grave. They were so immersed in their grief, sadness and pain from witnessing the crucifixion of their beloved Jesus. As a result, they couldn’t see Jesus. Sadly, this too describes humanity. We are unable to truly see or accept what God is doing. We are overwhelmed by the cares of this world.
Let us truly be able to experience the wonder, awe, and miracles of this Easter season! God is able to do exceedingly above and beyond anything we ask for, think and imagine.
He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!!