Wallpaper
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Our shock has subsided. The sad images of the despair in Haiti move into the daily routine of our newscasts. The heart -wrenching photos that keep coming are in danger of becoming the “wallpaper” of our day- to -day awareness.
Wallpaper catches the eye as we enter a room. Its color and design grab our attention and we take note. Yet as we become familiar with the room the wallpaper quickly fades from our awareness and we begin to hardly see it at all.
The same thing can happen with the shock of the devastation in Haiti. We know it’s there and its happening. Yet the images are so numerous that eventually an inoculation can happen that moves the crisis to that wallpaper status.
Thank God He never allows any one of us to become “wallpaper” in His sight. No crisis, no matter how big or how small fades to the back of His awareness. He loves each individual with lavish love and He hurts too with the pain in Haiti.
As Christians we are called to a life focused on others. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we are.
Today stop and think about what and who has become simply “wallpaper” in your life.
Look first at those near you. Is there a need you can meet that would give you the privilege and the opportunity to be Jesus’ hands and feet?
Look beyond … can you help Haiti’s hurting as they look to survive and go on to build much needed infrastructures of medical aid, housing and hope for a future?
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
As we follow the wise advice of Philippians 2:4 we will find a new measure of joy. Discover afresh the truth that you are more blessed when you give than when you receive.
Lord God,
Forgive me for allowing the deep needs of others to become simply wallpaper in my life. Show me ways to help those who are near as well as the helpless in Haiti. Freely I have received from the well of Your amazing love. Help me today to freely give. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
To donate to Truth Media’s affiliate site, GAiN, and bring help to Haiti please donate here. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus today in bringing relief where it is most needed in this hour.
Questions: Is there a need you can meet that would give you the privilege and the opportunity to be Jesus’ hands and feet? How can you move toward meeting that need today?
About this Author: Gail Rodgers
Gail, a belated “thank you” for your encouraging reminder of how important I am to Jesus. Our God reigns.
I just want to lift up a praise, as my friend was able to get in contact with his mom in Haiti! However, pls pray for continual protection (despite the conditions there right now). But, thank you for this message. It is true. This world currently teaches us to focus on ‘self.’ I admit at times, I have fallen into this, but I need God to continue to strengthen me in the truth. Pls pray I will continue to grow in the grace, truth & knowledge of God everyday, that I may honor Him with my thoughts, self, life. I pray God blesses you today. Thank you for your labor. In Christ, Amen.
I have had this devotional on my mind all day. I have thought of several people in my life that have become wallpaper. I am sadden by that. God knows, I want to reach out and help them. Thanks for the wonderful devotional.
*My two boys are serving in the military. My oldest son Ray is a hospital corpsman, they have been in Haiti since last Friday. He often speaks of the singing the patients from Haiti do while getting treatment/ food on their ship. God is so good, He really is. I miss my son but find comfort in him helping others.
Good analogy that we can apply to haiti and to relationships or situations in our own life.
That’s an interesting question, Angela.
There are probably times when all of us have that “wall paper” feeling for one reason or another.
I think the first step, when feeling like “wallpaper” ourselves is to let Jesus’ view of us penetrate our hearts afresh.
When we take the time to see, with the eyes of our souls, just how Jesus looks at us … we know afresh that we are not wallpaper in His eyes.
He has a specific plan and purpose for us regardless of how others are viewing us at the moment. He will help us find joy in serving others out of the love we receive from Him.
One resource that I find helpful in keeping in focus how Jesus sees me is “Who I am in Christ”.
http://www.ficm.org/newsite/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist
My suggestion is to use this for one month and every day focus on one scripture and one way God sees you. Ask Him to help you believe it and to act out on the truth of it.
It changes how we see ourselves. It brings new joy and life to our own hearts in spite of those around us who may see us as “wallpaper”.
So know that you are not wallpaper and walk in the freedom and knowledge of who you really are because of Jesus.
Lord God,
We all need a refreshing of how You see us. That knowledge brings freedom and joy and even power in our lives as we rely on Your Holy Spirit to bring those truths alive in our hearts. May we see ourselves through Your eyes today and in turn see others in that same way. May we spread Your love to those around us as well as to those afar.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Thanks for the excellent question, Angela!
God bless you today in an unexpected way!
Warmly,
Gail Rodgers
Excellent! But what about those of us who’ve made ourselves wallpaper?
great ananlogy- thank you Gail. May we keep praying, serving and giving long after the cameras leave.
AMEN!!!