When people post photos of their lives, places they go, scenes they admire, etc., don’t judge them, one way or the other, by what they post. Judging is not our job.
Be careful not to think the pastures are greener on their side. Everyone’s yard needs fertilizing and manicuring. Allow God to be the Master Landscaper of your life. Maybe the “filter” in their life is filled with color because they need to see the reminders of what brings them joy in life.
Others may not post the horrificness that may be going on in their own life or what is heavy on their heart. Maybe they choose to focus on the good, the beauty, of what brings them joy.
Each of our journeys in life are different. There are mountain top experiences and valleys and downright desert times. You don’t know what someone is going through or has encountered. Be mindful.
Remember that people express themselves in different ways.
For me, I felt convicted when I heard a recent sermon. I love my sunsets, landscapes, hobbies, and the people around me. Sharing and loving Jesus is my number one priority. Using examples of everyday life is how God often speaks to and through me.
Does this sound like a rant or truth? For me, it is a little of both.
As I pondered and reflected on that one mention of the sermon, I at first felt guilty. I am one who enjoys sharing life, a beautiful life, with others. Then, God reminded me that He made each of us uniquely and knows each heart. Guilt-be-gone.
Those hard lessons I’ve learned in my life are embedded in my psyche. I choose to not let them define me or allow others to have a sneak peak into those vivid moments. If there is a time when the Holy Spirit desires for me to share an experience with someone, who is going through a similar matter, I listen to my God conscious to pray and share.
Allow our Heavenly Father to define you, not your circumstances.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
Be Careful About Criticizing Others“Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you. If you judge others, you will be judged the same way you judge them. God will treat you the same way you treat others. Why do you say to your friend, ‘Let me take that piece of dust out of your eye’? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. “Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood that is in your own? You are a hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to get the dust out of your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5
All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Choose joy.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Featured photo: Mine and Tim’s kids (adult children) bring me so much joy! And they keep me on my knees in convo with Jesus.