January 19, 2010

SPACE TRAVEL, ANYONE?

Key Verse
"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." (Psalm 13:5)
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Central Truth

David's circumstances had not changed, but as he took his eyes off his problems and looked at his problem solver, the Lord, he could then rejoice and sing.

Reflections

As I said earlier, I am a part-time astronaut. At least I've been known to do some space travel.This happens when I look at my perceived or real problems and make them bigger and bigger than they really are, with the "what-ifs" and the speculation of what could happen. Yes, I am rather good at this. I can put my space suit on and actually leave this earth (in my thoughts) and orbit somewhere in another galaxy. It wears me out and leaves me hopeless. Actually, "the worst" might as well have really happened for the amount of suffering I bring on myself. My husband and close friends have witnessed this firsthand.

But there is a better way God is teaching me. Before those thoughts can even get a foothold, I must get my mind back on the Blessed Controller of All Things. Before I put on one leg of my space suit, I must run to God. I cry out to Him, like David did so many times, to help me get through whatever "it" is. If I can manage to take my thoughts captive and keep them on Him rather than the problem, I can actually stay here on earth and enjoy the peace that only God can bring, even in the midst of the fear of the "what-ifs."

David was crying out to God the entire chapter of Psalm 13, asking "How long, God?," until the last two verses, when he got his eyes back on his faithful God, and his perspective changed. "But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me." (Psalm 13:5-6, NLT) So, I am learning, it is His unfailing love and His faithfulness that I trust in and that brings me to the place where I can rejoice in Him.

Discussion Questions

1. Are there areas in your life that cause you to worry and that you are having a hard time trusting God with?

2. Do you have people in your life that you can share these areas with who would point you back to God? Can you really be honest with them?

3. Take notice when you are lacking peace. Are you putting on your space suit?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.

  1. Linda

    January 19, 2010 06:15 AM

    I could have written that first paragraph! Thanks for the reminder that I need to constantly put my mind back on the Blessed Controller of All Thngs.

  2. Tim Hawks

    January 19, 2010 06:40 AM

    Thank you, Barbara. You last question is a good test for me. "Take notice when you are lacking peace." This is a great warning signal that I am focused on fickle, fleeting circumstances and not on God's unfailing, unchanging love.

  3. randy

    January 19, 2010 06:44 AM

    Thank you Barbara for reminding us this morning of God's unfailing love! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_MyC6kJzPg

  4. Chip Smith

    January 19, 2010 06:52 AM

    Good morning Barbara: I don't take to space travel much. However, I do have some "Trekkies" in my life and have seen first-hand the devastation that being lost in the "what ifs" of life can cause. Thank you for being honest with us this morning about this struggle. Your advice to take captive your thoughts and keep them stayed on the "Blessed Controller of All Things" is excellent. Also, your point in question two about having Godly people in your life you can be honest with. With the knowledge of God's word and the Godly counsel of others, being able to see the "what ifs" in life can be a powerful and positive ability to be prepared for any crisis. I believe it is called "wisdom" in Proverbs. Have a great day.

  5. Libby Barber

    January 19, 2010 07:35 AM

    Thanks for those very practical thoughts, Barbara! I just loved it when you talked about getting your perspective right before you even put one leg in the spacesuit! I'm going to remember that one! What a blessing and encouragement you are. Thanks for your thoughts this morning... Libby

  6. Lindsey

    January 19, 2010 07:50 AM

    Barbara, Thank you for your devotional this morning. I struggle with this several times a day and it's slowly increased over time since I had a child. Pondering on the negative "what ifs" have unfortunately become a daily routine. There are days when I feel like I live in space! I so desperately needed to hear that I am not the only one who struggles with this. It has reminded me that I need to ask God to help me recognize those times, turn from them and get my mind back on the Blessed Controller of All Things!

  7. Dana

    January 19, 2010 08:13 AM

    Thank you for pointing me to God when I was about to put on the spacesuit. He loves me and is in control.

  8. David Redding

    January 19, 2010 08:15 AM

    Barbara, great devotional this morning. I loved the analogy, it hit home. The "what-ifs" are overwhelming many times and even though I know they aren't real, I tend to do just what you described. It is so comforting to know that we have the God of the universe that never leaves our side. Thanks!

  9. Thom Kurtz

    January 19, 2010 08:28 AM

    Hi Barbara, Thanks for solving a mystery for me, because I thought I recognized someone from HCBC way out past Jupiter sometime late last year. Cheers! You made us all smile this morning.

  10. Ted Davenport

    January 19, 2010 08:34 AM

    Barbara, I have heard about the space suit analogy. What a great & clear picture of how we lose focus on eternity and wad ourselves up in our (sometimes) lousy circumstances, forgetting about the REAL prize. Thank you, Sister. You're awesome!

  11. Monica

    January 19, 2010 09:14 AM

    I, too am a part-time astronaut and I have visited many dimensions, as I analyze problems in every which angle. Thank you for letting me know I am not alone. I thought I was starting off my workday on the wrong foot, and this just changed all that! Many more blessings to you and your family!

  12. Randy Allen

    January 19, 2010 09:17 AM

    Thank you for your honesty. I struggle with this all the time.

  13. Heather

    January 19, 2010 12:01 PM

    Barbara, Thank you for sharing the astronaut analogy. I love it . . . and will use it to remind myself when I am lacking peace that I'm headed out there! Fantastic message for me to hear.

  14. Lynna

    January 19, 2010 03:02 PM

    Wow, Barbara did I need this... I too get caught up in the worries of tomorrow (and you know what I've been through)... thank you for reminding me to rest in the Lord...HE is in control of my future, healing me from my past and HE doesn't need me to worry!!!

  15. Tom Jeannett

    January 19, 2010 03:32 PM

    Thank you, Barbara! What a powerful and profound word picture and devotion you gave us today. Now I have a simple litmus test I can use whenever I am beginning to slip my leg into that very troublesome and uncomfortable astronaut suit that seems to be always hanging in my closet begging me to put it on. Now I can ask myself, "Do I really want to wear that today? It doesn't even fit and I feel and look and act awful when I'm wearing it." Thanks again, Barbara.

  16. Setta Smith

    January 21, 2010 07:53 AM

    Good morning! Just wanted to tell Barbara what an inspiring message this was for me. My husband just diagnosed with lung/brain cancer and the message encouraged me (right where I am God!). So greatful to have the Hill Country daily messages. Regards, Setta Smith Georgetown

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Barbara Bland

Barbara Bland

My name is Barbara Bland. I have been married to an awesome man, Joe Bland, for 27 years. We have two sons, Collin and Cole. One is a freshman in college, and the other a sophomore at Hill Country Christian School.

Our hobbies include attending our son's sports events, and I enjoy working out and riding horses. I am involved in the Gracepath Bible study, Celebrate Recovery, and the prayer team at the school. I am also a part-time astronaut (or is it space cadet?). More about that later.