Good morning,
How we look at life depends on the filter we have when we look back at time, and forward at what might happen as we go through time. I think that when God looks at time he sees it as an important, yet very small part of eternity. I think that when the Devil looks at time he sees it as his only opportunity to use his limited authority before he loses it all for the rest of eternity. God has clearly told us that his creation in time has been done with loving concern and careful planning for an eternally loving family. Meanwhile our Enemy sees time as his chance to spread his lies, his hatred, and his confusion and fears to as much of God’s creation as possible. As sinful people, we find our natural filters will keep us focused on the negatives in our past and the fears of what might happen in the future as the story of our time here on earth. The natural man has no idea that God’s master plan has a wonderful mix of light and darkness, weakness and strength and wonderful twists and turns that will make life a wonderful adventure for those who come to know him as the God we can trust no matter what happens from day to day.
The Psalmist who wrote Psalm 71 was clearly a man who had come to know the reality of seeing life through God’s trustworthy filter. He didn’t need scientists or surgeons to tell him that God was there when he began his life here on earth. He knew that even at that early stage in life he was loved and cared for by the builder and designer of his human body. He could look back on all of his growing up years as part of a master plan designed by his loving Heavenly Father. His God given filter allowed him to see all the good and necessary stages of growth that would teach him the reliability of the God he had chosen to trust. He had also learned that how he had gone through those formative years was not just for his benefit. He now knew that God needed to show the people around him that his God was strong enough and loving enough to make his life worth living no matter how challenging his circumstances had been. His God was always there protecting and directing him every step of the way. When he looked back at his life it filled his heart and mind and mouth with praise and thanksgiving for all God had done. When he looked forward to what was yet to come, he knew that his God would never change and the future would be even more wonderful than what he had yet experienced. Dear Lord, please help us to live our lives like this man, living our lives for the glory of your name.
Psalms 71: 6 Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother's womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! 7 My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.8 That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.
Roy Wisner
