Have you ever stopped at a level crossing waiting for a train and whilst the warning lights flashed, tried to guess from which direction the train was coming from? More often than not we guess wrong. We are looking in the wrong direction. We met some friends for lunch recently in the centre of Birmingham and stood and waiting at the intersection of several streets trying to guess from which direction they would come. They actually came from different directions as husband and wife had somehow become separated on their way from the carpark!
As I’m sure you’re aware that these are challenging days in which to live. My heart goes out to all those who are struggling during this pandemic. Many have tragically lost family members and also jobs, businesses and livelihoods. Stress, anxiety, worry, fear, depression and loneliness is rarely far away. I get it. I resigned from my post during August and, as yet, have no future church lined up. It’s not a great position to be in during a pandemic.
Are you looking in the wrong direction?
I was praying the other morning and God challenged me concerning which direction I was looking in. He was right. When we’re in a challenging season we can look to other people or other things rather than God for our needs to be met. God reminded me;
“Son, you’re looking in the wrong direction. look to me. I am and have always been your provider. I have never let you down. I have guided your life from your birth, opened every door, created every opportunity and met every need. Stop looking to everyone else and simply look to me.”
I have to say that since Father whispered that in my ear I have felt the pressure release, anxiety disappear and His indescribeable peace fill my heart and mind.
God is in charge. He determines and directs our destiny.
I remember a similar season of our lives, prior to bible college and ministry, when our children were young and we lived in Leicester. I was running a franchised newsagents and had built the business up in such a way that it was highly successful and profitable. We’d just bought a fabulous brand new four bedroomed detached house for our growing family. I had a new car. We loved our lives. That was until, without any warning, the owner of the franchise changed the terms and suddenly my income went through the floor.
We were in serious trouble. At the same time there was a recession and house price crash. Every which way we looked there was no help. Bank, loans, family, friends – everywhere direction in which we looked, there was no help. It was an incredibly dark and tortuous season that lasted for some time. However we discovered that the only one who could help was Father God and He absolutely came through for us over and over again during that time and often through unexpected people and places. David wrote these encouraging words;
“I was once young, but now I’m old. Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by him, nor have any of their children gone hungry.” (Psalm 37:25 TPT)
Are you looking in the wrong direction?
I’m sure some reading this, through no fault of their own, may be in the same situation as we found ourselves. The pandemic is wrecking lives and livelihoods. It is causing untold stress, anxiety and fear. So can I encourage you today to begin to look in the right direction. The Psalmist said this:
“I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help. But then I realise that our true help and protection come only from the Lord, our Creator who made the heavens and the earth. He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall. God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me. He will never slumber nor sleep; he is the Guardian-God for his people, Israel. Jehovah himself will watch over you; he’s always at your side to shelter you safely in his presence. He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night. He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity as he continually watches over you. You will be guarded by God himself. You will be safe when you leave your home and safely you will return. He will protect you now, and he’ll protect you forevermore!” (Psalms 121:1-8 TPT)
Are you looking in the wrong direction?
Perhaps it’s time to look in the right direction…
Why not pause for a moment and re-direct your gaze towards God.
Talk to Him, pour out your heart to Him, put your total trust in Him and allow His incredible peace to fill your heart and mind.
He has got you. You will come through this.
Ps – If you don’t know this God that I’m talking about then why not find out more here
IMAGINE
If you’ve enjoyed this post you might like to check out my book entitled ‘Imagine.’ It is all about trusting God based on the amazing promise in Proverbs 3:5-6. I’ve shared from my own experiences and personal journey the lessons that I’ve learned about trusting God. It has truly been an amazing journey of discovery of trusting God like never before and living like never before!
Imagine is available here
Recent Amazon reviewers said,
“This is an incredibly powerful book written as if the author is chatting to you about his own life, struggles and experiences during his ongoing walk with God. It is a very real and honest book with bible verses to back up what the author is sharing about. Personally this book is having a big impact on me and my faith in God. I would recommend to anyone to buy this book if you want to deepen your relationship with God at whatever stage you are in your walk. Imagine the impact this book could have on your life….”
“Imagine is a brilliant read and it is challenging too. Using Proverbs 3:5-6 as the central scripture and Simon Lawton’s personal journey, the important issues of trust and faith are discussed in depth. It’s easy to read, enjoyable and has really helped me think long and hard about God’s calling for my life and how I can trust Him with so much more. Well worth reading, whether you are exploring or are new to the Christian faith, or if you have been a Christian for years – there’s something in this book for everyone. Highly recommended.”
“I have bought this book both on kindle and paperback. It is definitely worth owning one. Apart from my bible, it’s my most read and re read book which is underpinned with the word of God. The authors shares personal experiences, which backs up what’s been said. It’s true to life, and is very simple to read but extremely powerful. It’s a reminder of God’s love for us, and His Fatherly promise to be with us through the storms of life.. we only need to trust in God no matter what life throws at us.. I highly recommend this book and the bible study which is in within the contents of the book. It’s going to be my home groups next study.. A word in season.”I found this to be a very easy read about trusting God in your everyday life. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating so they say. “I am a 60 year old man who has spent his entire life worrying. Free floating anxiety its been labelled. Over the last few weeks, each morning on awakening I have made a cup of tea then read a chapter of the New Testament (NIV) followed by a small section or two of this book (kindle version. I wish I’d bought the actual paper version). That’s easy to do as the book is written in lots of small sections. This book is a constant drip of Trust God, Trust God, Trust God…. After only a couple of weeks I said to my wife, “I’ve noticed I’ve stopped worrying. There is not a single worry in my head”. Which, if you knew me would probably astound you! So, I write this as the UK is coming out of Coronavirus lockdown, and last night’s news showed the Chancellor saying that Britain is about to enter the worst recession its ever faced. And the thought that entered my head, as that habitual worrywart’s bolt of adrenalin kicked in, was “That’s OK. God has got me”. And I didn’t give it another thought. I’m low income self-employed, so in these particular times, not worrying but trusting God instead is a big thing. If I was the chancellor (which thankfully I’m not) I would say something like “I recommend this book to the house!”
Why not grab a copy now! Imagine is available here