Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s the little things?” These little things are unique to each one of us. They refresh my soul day to day. Unfortunately, I get stuck thinking about the BIG things. When my focus is on the bigger, harder things of life, I get overwhelmed and the “little things” that keep me going, slip by.
Last week my husband and I bought our first home together. I found myself focused on the BIG and forgetting to appreciate the little. With it being summertime, there is an abundance of weddings, family gatherings, and traveling. These things normally feel refreshing, but I quickly became overwhelmed trying to move and yet still do things that give me life.
The big picture said I’m not doing enough, I’m lacking in certain areas. I was physically present, but emotionally I was stressed out and not living my best life. The enemy wants to rob us of our joy and make us victims of our circumstances. Once I got my focus back on the little things, I was quickly reminded by God that He supplies everything we need according to His plans, His riches.
During these last few months, if I had focused on the little instead of the big, I might have noticed that…
- The mountains displayed God’s Glory.
- The graduate needed encouragement.
- My husband is feeling blue.
- God speaking to me, “Child, get up and pray.”
- A song on the radio that could have healed a hurting place in me.
- Sometimes I need to cry.
- Sometimes I need a hug.
God also has a way of refreshing my soul by speaking to me at unexpected times. Like when I am on my way to work or home and the perfect worship song comes on. One that will bring me to tears, exposing my heart, my fears, my thoughts, and bringing attention to my vulnerabilities and the power of God.
God is a God of details. The instructions God gave the Israelites were very small and intricate. David used five stones to take down Goliath. Jesus used mud, five barley loaves. and two fish. His disciples were deemed small in this world. The small things of life seem so insignificant, unless we look at them with God’s perspective.
It just takes slowing down and intentionally recognizing and appreciating the moments that refresh your soul. I can easily slip into negative thinking and allow my circumstances to dictate my feelings. In those moments, I should be intentional in my thinking and ask God, “Where are you in this moment?” When I focus on Him and what He is doing, my soul is refreshed.
Finally, brothers (and sisters), whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8-9
We would like to thank Vanessa Talmadge for writing this blog!
Women's Ministry 