Not I but He
The following blog is a devotion from my book, Blind Faith Devotional: 30 Days of Finding Light, Building Faith, and Choosing Joy.
For more devotions, check it out here: https://amzn.to/3Q62J9h.
Day 5: Not I but He
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Oh Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment. Stretching out the heavens like a tent.” Psalm 104:1-2
How many times in a day do you catch yourself using “I” phrases? Don’t worry, you are not alone. I am definitely guilty of dwelling on myself quite a bit throughout the day. My problems. My worries. My plans. My accomplishments. How often, though, do we take the time to reflect on the world around us?
Reading Psalm 104 gives us a great opportunity to do just that.
This passage reminds us of the splendid and majestic creation made by God. After I lost my sight, perhaps understandably to many, I found it very hard to enjoy the world around me. I couldn’t see it; therefore, it held no purpose for me anymore. Right? No way! God’s creations are still amazing and mighty. I just had to find new ways to enjoy and appreciate them. I take the time to be still and enjoy the breeze on my face: “He makes the clouds His chariot. He rides on the wings of the wind.” I tune out the noise around me so I can hear the birds singing: “Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell. They sing among the branches.” I take in the textures, scents, and amazing complexities of the various landscapes as I travel near and far: “The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them.”
When I focus on the ways I am able to appreciate our world, I wonder anew by how God created so much from nothing.
I am instantly reminded of all of His accomplishments and His power. This focus helps me to not dwell so much on myself and my own triumphs because, if I’m being honest, they are not really my own. I could not have achieved anything without Him. My new perspective also helps me to not focus on the darkness or worries in my life because He has created so much light in this world. Looking around at His mighty power represented in all of the wonderful creations here on earth reminds me that He has the power to turn that darkness in my life into light as well.
Can you relate?
Do you sometimes get caught up in your own troubles or triumphs and forget to thank God for all He has done and the work He is still doing in your life? Let’s take a step back today. Take the time to reflect on the beautiful world around us and on God’s accomplishments. Let’s praise Him for all that is around us. For all that He has already done, both within and outside of our own lives, and all that He can still do!
Think About It: What is your greatest accomplishment? Stop a minute--reflect and focus--how did God help you get there?
Pray About It: “Lord, thank you for all of your many blessings. Thank you for providing for me and for all of the creatures that you placed on Earth. I pray that you will take the darkness and the light in my life, and use it for your glory, Lord.”
Text that says, “This blog is sponsored by:”
David Pollard at Raymond James Partners Financial Group, which specializes in helping families and businesses manage their investments so that they can spend their time where it matters most.
Tillman Eye Center, which serves Carrollton, GA with a wide range of optometry services in a professional and comfortable environment with staff who care.
Plaza Home Care, a medical supply and equipment company located in downtown Villa Rica, where they are big enough to serve you and small enough to care about you. Plaza Home Care is committed to providing you and your family with quality medical equipment, such as CPAP compression hoses, walkers, lift chairs, and more. The staff are sure to earn your trust as they listen to your needs, follow through on their word, and provide uncompromising levels of customer care.
