Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. – Colossians 3:1-3
I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase, “It’ll get better.” Probably more times than we care to remember. Usually from people who’ve barely ever even had a hangnail.
This phrase makes me cringe. Do you know why?
Because it’s a lie. It. Is. A. LIE.
Sure, sometimes things get better. You have a 50-50 chance, if you’re lucky, that things will get better.
But sometimes, things don’t get better. Sometimes they stay the same. Often, they get worse.
People die, illnesses get worse, another sickness gets added to our already-overloaded immune system, cancer recurs… the list could go on, but I think you get the point.
I’ve learned one thing that is so, so much more encouraging than these trite statements people pull out in times like these. That encouragement is that good things can be yours, even if things don’t get any better. There is still beauty to be found, even in impossible times like these.
Oh, don’t misunderstand me, you may have to look long. You will have to look hard. But the beauty is there. Sometimes under layers of grime, but it’s there.
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” – Luke 11:13
I’m finding that most of the time when I’m missing the beauty, it’s because my angle is all wrong. But God is ever faithful to show it to me when I look.
It really is all about perspective. Perspective right where you are, not if things get better. That’s just a waiting game, and you’ll lose every time. Instead, take a new look at exactly where you are, and ask God to show you the beauty that’s hidden there.
Do it today.
Holy Lord, I pray that each person reading this today will be blessed to see the beauty You have just for them in this moment of ugliness. I pray that they will look, reach out, and trust. Thank You for the beauty from our ashes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Shelly, once again you “nailed it”!
Just what I needed to be reminded of! Have you been spending time inside my mind again???!!!
“Perspective right where you are. Not if things get better. Ask God to show you the beauty that’s hidden there. ”
Thanks, friend, for your words if encouragement ♡♡♡♥♥♥
So true! We must not hang our hopes on trite phrases from well meaning people who have never been where we are. I keep a list of verses for times when I need encouragement. The Word of God never fails.
Know you are loved,
Sandy Platt
Regardless of my health, my difficult circumstances, I KNow it’s going to get better, if I look from God’s view. How can I not get excited at what waits for me?
Until then, I know He is right next to me, showing me how beautiful life with Him is.
God bless you for your encouragement Shelly.
Love you.
I agree, Shelly. Sometimes it doesn’t get better. (I don’t think I have said this to many people since I have been ministering in the Lord.) Instead, I share truths with them similar to the ones you share here– ones with a foundation of Jesus. That He will always be with us. Never leave us. See us through it. HIS TRUTH is something to share. Amen!