How many pictures do you have on your phone? I found myself flipping through 3, 178 photos and 138 videos that I have stored on my phone for the tenth time only to say to myself again, “Geneva, you have got to get these printed or saved.” I try to print them every two years, but it has been hard to do that lately. I guess it’s because I have enjoyed looking at the many milestones we have accomplished as a family. However, it’s what’s missing between each photo that has taught me the most. We only save the good pictures or memories, but not the mishaps that might have led up to the main events. The highs and lows in my personal relationships with God and those closest to me. I love looking back and seeing God’s hand on our lives even in times we thought we were alone. The lessons we learned have been a great reminder of God’s love and faithfulness, and the unfortunate moments when we take our eyes off of Him. I am thankful that God uses the unfortunate events to show us His glory. Moses’ words are recorded in Psalm 90 about how much we need God, and His glory. The falling away of God’s children does not go unnoticed in God’s word. It has been recorded over and over. The same goes for our lives. I know that if I look back at my own life, I have prayed similar prayers of reconciliation to God like that of Moses. And with the many examples of habitual falling away from God, the bible also offers sound wisdom from our patriarchs of faith. Samuel gave Israel very clear instructions about returning to God. He said to return to the Lord with your whole heart. Then, to put away any other gods or idols. During this time Samuel was referring to Baal, but for us it could be a hobby or spending too much time on our phones. Next, he says to prepare your hearts. Sometimes, preparing our heart means totally surrendering to His will. To clean up our sins and repent. To renew a right spirit inside. Lastly, Samuel instructs God’s people to serve the Lord ONLY. Samuel goes on to say that when God’s children do this, God will deliver from their enemies. Your list of enemies may look different from mine, but to know that God will take care of His children makes me let out a big sigh of relief. So, as God’s children, we need to keep our eyes on Him, and remember that He is the only one we need to control our circumstances and He is enough to handle all of our today and tomorrows. So, yes I will get around to publishing my pictures, but most importantly, I will remember to see where God’s hand was creating the masterpieces that I did not snap.
