Daily devotional, 18 May 2024 Out of sight, out of mind
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
Jeremiah 32:17
One of the most common pieces of advice for people who are trying to move on from something is “out of sight, out of mind.” It simply implies that when you do not get to see a person or a thing, you will soon forget it. Such advice is indeed helpful, especially for those who have recently lost something or someone very important to them. Others go to lengths to follow this advice. They move into a new neighborhood, they transfer to another job, or shift into another career.
As followers of Jesus, we can tweak this advice a bit to calm our hearts when we are troubled about something. We can tell ourselves that if a situation is out of our hands, it should be out of our mind. We should stop thinking about it if we do not have the power to do anything about it. Instead, we should bring over our worries to the feet of the one who is powerful enough to deliver us, help us endure, and turn things around for us.
If you could turn your bible to Psalm 91, you can find a very profound and faith-filled work that gives assurance to those who trust in God. Biblical scholars are one in saying that it is a wonderful, peaceful, and assuring read for a faithful person waiting on God for deliverance:
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-16
Once we realize that there is a higher power — a God who is sovereign — we can rest from trying to control the difficult situations in our lives. We will have the assurance that as long as we abide in Him, and wait on Him, we can get past our present challenges.
"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returningand rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,"
Isaiah 30:15
We have to take heart that when something is in our mind, it is in God’s heart too. Our Heavenly Father knows our thoughts, and He knows what we need even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:7-8). And His knowledge of what we are going through is not just head knowledge. His experience on the cross and as a man, assures us that He totally understands what we are going through.
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." Hebrew 4:15
In addition, we should also focus on the goodness in our lives. As they say, “God’s past deliverance is a promise of future help.” So when we try to remember the many times God has taken us out of a dark place, we can strengthen our hearts and minds as we wait for Him to come to our rescue.
"When I thought, "My foot slips," Your steadfast love, O LORD, helped me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul."
Psalm 94:18-19
Apart from looking back on the Lord’s faithfulness in our lives, we also ought to focus on the positive things. St. Paul the Apostle encouraged the Philippian church to meditate on the good things so that they could have peace in their minds. His piece of advice remains useful up to now, and is effective in keeping our minds and hearts rested more so in this digital age.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8
When beset with troubles, we have to run to God for guidance and help. While waiting for Him to respond to our prayers, we should do what we can in accordance to His will, and wait for Him to do what only He can carry out.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 91 and Philippians 4:4-9 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: What do you think of when you are beset with troubles?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for reminding me to fully trust in your sovereignty. I know that I am not exempted from this world’s troubles, but your guidance, sympathy, and love will allow me to endure and learn from all these difficulties. Strengthen my mind, heart, and soul to remain connected to you amidst all these troubles, because in you there is hope and deliverance. Amen.
