Much of what we see or expect in life is shaped in the first place by our horizons.
I’ve lived much of my life in the northeast. When I moved to Texas I was struck by the change in horizons. There is a lot of sky out here. Neither the terrain, nor the trees do as much to limit the horizon as they do in Pennsylvania or Washington. Changes in the weather are visible from a long way off.
The differences have less to do with what is actually there in the way of sky and more to do with where you stand.
The same could be said of the spiritual life. What we can see in the way of potential for our relationship with God is shaped not by what God is willing to give us, but by the place where we stand. If the horizons of our relationship with God are limited by guilt, anger, or resentment, then we will see less, expect less, and believe that less is possible.
One of the most striking summaries of the Christian message is this:
“God loves you more than you love yourself and you are meant for glory.” What a difference in horizons when you stand there. You can see so much more of what God wants for your life.
I just got hit over the head with a proverbial sledgehammer…I need to remember that God loves me more than I do myself and I am meant for glory!” Next time I get down, I need to remember this!
We leave our sorrows behind when we get to heaven but is this completely true? Shall I not have regret when I fully comprehend the openness of God’s love for me and how much I limited myself? Shall I feel torment when I understand the vastness of Jesus’ forgiveness of my many sins but that I continued to hold them against me?
I want to be free of these false conditions I place upon myself and enter into the Lord’s delight of me. Wonder, oh yes, wonder! What might I accomplish in His Name and Strength by accessing more fully His astounding grace? Is this what is meant when Scripture states Peter had an abundant entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven? I think Peter got it.
I am a Peter full of contradictions. However, I aspire to his bedrock statement of faith that Jesus is the Son of God. He knew there was no one else to turn to but the Lord. No use running and hiding. Jesus is there for me. So, my prayer is: Open my eyes, Lord.