Set Your Affections

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Col. 3:2

Wow! How simplistic can one be. It sounds so easy, but in day to day life we just get distracted from the impact this verse should play in our lives. Right now I think of the economy - not good. We worry about retirement, college costs and car loans. Then there are home mortgages and jobs. That's the big stuff.

But, you know, a lot of little stuff gets in the way of our focusing on eternity. We have to make meals, do laundry, go to work, do school work, pick up kids from school - or teach them ourselves. How about doing the grocery shopping and cleaning house. Somebody needs to cut the grass and wash the car. So many little jobs keep us focused on the here and now.

We seem to run out of time to do everything that is set before us. As we are doing one thing, we are thinking of something else we think we should be doing. We rob ourselves of the fun and joy of the immediate job that God has given us. My daughter reminded me this morning that we need to realize that we can enjoy each job by not worrying about the ones still on the list.

God is not going to look at our 'to do' list at the end of the day and check to see how many things we accomplished. Yes, He wants us to spend our time wisely, but He is more concerned with what is going on inside of us. What do we value? Are we so concerned about today that we forget eternity? Think about it. During these troubling times set your affections on God.

Hope - The Anchor of my Soul

"In God have I put my trust;

I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." Ps. 56:11

The world we live in does not encourage us to trust God. We have bills to pay and families to raise. We have diseases and sicknesses. Sometimes it rains too much, sometimes too little. Crops fail. Cars crash. We must face death of loved ones and tragedies all around.

In the midst of our personal trials, the country teeters on recession or depression. Our lawmakers disappoint us. We wonder where have the good men gone? Campaigns get ugly and the economy looks dismal. We want to vote and elect the right person. We sometimes even think we know who that may be. That other candidate looks scarey. Wouldn't he take this nation in an ungodly direction? We hear of voter fraud and feel like it is hopeless.

But, all is not hopeless. I will trust in God. He is my hope - the anchor of my soul. Heb. 6:19 In this world, on this earth, all may not be well. God does not promise that this life will be easy and men will be righteous. He promises life eternal to those who know Him and accept the death of His Son for their salvation. The more we keep our eyes on Him, the more peace we can have as life crumbles around us.