How Do You Use Your Magnifying Glass?-by Heidi McLaughlin
Posted: February 18, 2018
It happens so fast we don’t recognize it. You’re sitting with a group of friends having your favourite coffee and tea, and then it starts. All politicians are horrible, everyone you know has cancer, and all hair dyes or cough syrups will give you cancer or a stroke. You can’t trust anyone; all foods have too many contaminants and then it starts on the topic of GMO’s. Oh boy, it’s time to shut it down. The conversation is spiralling into darkness and you’ll walk away feeling defeated, negative and grumpy with words swirling around your head: This world is going to hell in a hand basket.
Something happens within us when we focus or obsess over something.
Like a magnifying glass, that thing, gets bigger and bigger.
Many of our friends and families are going through difficult seasons of grief, disappointments and other tough hardships. I am not saying we shouldn’t talk about them; we need to talk. A lot. But we can’t stay in that dark place for we will feel defeated and without hope. Our circumstances are what they are, but it’s how we define them that fuels our response and feelings. The Bible shows us where we are to put our magnifying glass. “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3 KJV).
For about sixteen years David, and his band of men, were on the run from the revengeful King Saul. Yet throughout this time David wrote some of his most praise worthy lyrics. “I will praise the name of God with song, and magnify Him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30). Do you see he said: “I will…” In spite of him running for his life, he chose to praise and magnify his Lord.
David chose to magnify his Lord.
That is how you and I can change our circumstances, by changing our magnifying glass. Let’s focus on the goodness of God and remember that He is our shepherd and knows every detail of our lives. That you will trust God and wait expectantly for a better day and a glorious future. This is not just wishful thinking; God has promised it. He is not man. He does not lie. Praise Him and seek Him with all of your heart.
Let’s not waste precious time and energy focusing on all the terrible things in this world. There is so much to be thankful for. Today, decide with me that no matter what is going on in your life, you will chose to magnify our Lord.
“Because of the Lord’s great love for us we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22)
7 responses to “How Do You Use Your Magnifying Glass?-by Heidi McLaughlin”
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For someone who has been through so much, you truly understand and live by this. Thank you for sharing this. The lens at which we look life through will so define how we live. A lens of thanksgiving will lend a thankful heart. A lens of negativity will breed doom and gloom. Thank you for this reminder today.
Love Cheryl
Heidi, great reminder..You express things so well
Thank you Margaret for your constant encouragement. I write these things because I struggle with them as well, but am trying to learn how to magnify God in every area of my life. It takes a constant discipline, for sure.
Thank you Cheryl for leaving a comment. It definitely is the way to live a fulfilling life. This way, everyone is happier::))
So good Heidi, and true… No matter what is happening in our life we can look to Him and know that we do not need to fear, to worry or be anxious… We can overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony… I know for me it’s amazing how the most devastating circumstances can be navigated with peace and even joy, by reminding myself of Phil. 4:4-9 where it says:
“Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
thank you Heidi for your great words…you truly understand this…
Thank you Krystyna for reading my blog. Yes, I only write about things that I have lived, but obviously still struggle with. When I write I speak more to myself than the audience.::))