The Big Picture in a Huge Situation

​                                                                Colossians 1: 3-14
 
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1: 13-14
 
     What is the frame through which you view the landscape picture of your life; how do you judge the quality of your circumstances? We all have a lens through which we view and interpret matters. As we view the portrait of our world today how should we frame our understanding of the situation? Alphonse Karr, the French novelist and critic, wrote, “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.”* Today, in the life pictures of awfulness and blessings, do we see mainly ‘thorns or roses?’ How we answer that will be influenced by the frame through which we view life.
 
      The letter to the Colossians tells us of the loving God who rescues us from darkness and death bringing us into His Kingdom of light and life when we have faith in Him through Jesus His Son. The Bible teaches that God is working everything out in line with His will through His supremacy over everything (Ephesians 1: 11; Colossians 1: 16-17). This is THE big picture. When we understand life in this context we can see His hand in all matters, even today’s. We see ‘roses amongst the thorns,’ such as: the love demonstrated towards one another; the opportunity to re-evaluate our lives; the reduction in pollution; and a bigger purpose in all things. Knowing and trusting God also helps us understand why things happen and He guides us in our response.
 
     This response comes from our hope in God which brings forth faith and love (vs.5); also good fruit (vs.6) such as peace, joy, kindness and patience. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand our situations (vs. 9), strengthens us with endurance and helps us in good works (vs. 10-11).
 
     God has the ‘big picture’ and He is the ultimate artist who can transform the worst of paintings into an exquisite masterpiece; even today’s landscape!
 
To Ponder: How do you view life today; what is your lens? If you look at your circumstances through the love and truth of God what do you now see?
Below you will see a picture drawn by a young member of our Church; a focus of his attention during this time!

Prayer: Lord, plant your hope deep in our hearts so that we may have faith in you and love for one another. May your Spirit grant us knowledge and understanding, endurance and patience and love and good works. May we rejoice in our relationship with you and trust your power and authority. Amen.                        From Colossians 1
 
Praise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4taAN4QtbI

* A Tour Round my Garden 1856

                                                              St. Aidan's Church by Conway

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