“As we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18
I love my husband. I love my kids. I prayed for a long time to find and marry a man as wonderful as my husband. I prayed for years to be able to have children. So why is it so hard to remember my love and to have a grateful attitude when days are tough? Why is it so hard to regain perspective?
Perhaps many times my emotions are an idol for me. When I’m tired and irritable, I snap at my husband and forget all the ways he’s blessed me. When I’m overwhelmed and at my wits end, I forget that my children are such a blessing for me.
I guess God knew that many of us would make an idol of our emotions, and that’s why he put the verse in the Bible that tells us in 2 Cor. 4:18 to “look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen.” Notice that He gives it as a command because it is our choice to CHOOSE what we look at or focus on, and that does NOT have to be dictated by our emotions.
So what things are “seen” (temporary)? feeling fatigued, overwhelmed, lonely, or irritable
What things are “unseen” (eternal)? Jesus’ death on the cross for me, eternal life, unconditional love, commitment
So practically speaking, how do I make sure to look to things that are unseen/eternal within my relationships?
With my husband:
- Remind myself how God brought us together
- Reminisce often
- Focus on his best attributes
- Focus on the good times
- Thank Jesus for him every day
With my kids:
- Remind myself how “children are a blessing from the Lord”
- Remember how long I prayed for them
- Thank Jesus for them every day
- Smile, sing, dance, and play often
So I want to encourage you today to CHOOSE to focus on the things that are unseen, rather than the things that are seen (or so often felt). CHOOSE to regain your perspective and to not make an idol out of your emotions.