Thursday, January 2, 2014
New Year, New Attitude
Happy New Year one and all! I don't know about any of you, but I'm a bit relieved to shut the book on 2013 and start fresh with 2014. Other than the date, nothing about my circumstances has really changed though. So how can I make a fresh start when I'm still in the middle? I think the only answer is to find fresh perspective and hope in Christ.
My pastor was diagnosed with cancer in September. The Sunday following his diagnosis he preached about a question that almost everyone asks when they are going through a hard time: "Why?"
Why me? Why now? Why here?
That question is almost never answered. If an answer does come, it's usually much much later. So although natural, asking it is pretty pointless. Instead he encouraged us to ask "what?"
What do You want to teach me God? What do You want me to do?
The "why" makes our trust in God conditional. As if we' concede and go through the trial if we think the reason is important enough. The "what" doesn't require any justification from God. It acknowledges the pain we are experiencing, and seeks direction, but it doesn't try to imply that we want to control a situation.
Can you see how the approach is different? Are there any situations that you could apply a "What" question to right now?
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I too am quite ready to put 2013 and start fresh. Asking "what" is a good idea. I am going to ponder this more.
ReplyDeleteAsking what seems more positive to me too? If you know what I mean. It's proactive and future oriented rather than looking back at what likely can't be changed.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts! I, too, am glad it's 2014. I love a fresh start and the ability (I hope) to learn from what didn't work last year. :D
ReplyDeleteHa! So much of moving forward is making sure we don't fall into the same old patterns and habits that got us the results we didn't care for in the first place!
DeleteLove this, Lisa. Asking "why" is just a gaping hole leading toward doubt, discouragement and defeat. Asking "what" is something we should be doing ALL the time, in my opinion... not just waiting until our circumstances demand it. Great post.
ReplyDeleteIt really is just a sinkhole that can never be filled. And you're right, we need to be asking What more, even when we're not in a trial.
DeleteI think I stopped asking WHY also. And frankly this new year's stuff is more about fun and less about any reason to 'start over'. it's just another day--i've never seen any difference from Dec 31 to Jan 1 other than writing it on my checks! for me it's more about 'the holidays are over' and I can try to eat less no no food.
ReplyDeleteI anticipate some good things and bad things this year. How can I use them to be of use to God?