From Every Angle: Look for the Good in Your Storm – Part two of Finding Treasure after a Storm.
Storms are raging all around us: Physical storms, political storms, emotional, relational, and health-related tsunamis. Seeing our situation from every angle helps to find the good, no matter how bad things are.
Even though we have experienced hurricanes and tornadoes this summer, they have nothing on the storm that is raging within our four walls at home, at work, or in our soul.
#WhenStormsCome, Seeing our situation from every angle helps to find the good, no matter how bad things are. #Phil4:8 Share on X
I began this series last time to share what I discovered while combing the beach for sea glass after Hurricane Florence headed out to sea. I remarked on the difference between looking while the sun was at my back, and the sun in my eyes because…
When looking for treasure after a storm, it helps to look from every angle.
Storms have a way of narrowing our field of vision—understandably so. We are so focused on the here and now – between panic and survival, it’s hard to look up, never mind have hope.
Walking along the shore, covering the same ground, shaded and with blinding sunlight, I found glimmers of treasure—I found so much sea glass to tuck in my bag.
Storms have a way of narrowing our field of vision. #SeeTheGood in the middle of your storm. #Phil4:8 Share on X
In the same way, I can look at my stormy circumstances from every angle too. It’s there that God gives a new perspective, a new way to pray, and maybe a different way to ask for help—a fresh way to see what might otherwise be hidden from my sight.
My Vision Was Shadowed
This was evident to me as I walked with the sun at my back. My shadow was in the way of my seeing the ground. Yet the treasures were there. And, like my shadow, I am often in the way of seeing what God is doing. My shadow darkens my field of vision so I can’t see the positive.
My discouragement keeps God in the shadows—out of the way.
But walking back with the sun in my eyes, I found the most treasure. How true this is!
The sun glinted off the surface of the sand and rocks and it was easy to spot the sea glass because it stood out as different. Rocks are shiny. Sand glimmers. But, sea glass has a flat etched surface that doesn’t shine.
When I keep the Son before me, looking into His face, and seeking help, His treasures stand out. This brought Philippians 4:8 alive to me. When I dwell on whatever is true, lovely, God’s peace will guard my heart and mind. What a wonderful promise.
What’s Your Angle?
When you are #FacingStormyTimes in life, how has God helped you to see from His perspective? #GodSeesABiggerPicture Share on X
So, tell me. When you are facing stormy things in life, how has God helped you to see from His perspective? Did provision come from an unexpected place? Did a friend offer to see things from another angle that helped your big-picture view?
This is the beauty of being part of the Body of Christ. So often when I am in the middle of the storm I’m not able to see clearly. Yet those on the outside looking in can offer wisdom and help which is a gift of God to me. They help me to see things from a new angle—giving me a feeling of peace that God is there in the middle of my dark place.
Join Me Next Time for Part Three
Next time, I’ll talk about how looking from a distance gives me a better perspective. Till then, see the good in every situation—it’s medicine for the heart and soul. If you missed reading part one, you can find it here.
I’d love to hear about what you discovered in your storm—and how the good glittered in the middle of it. Share your comments below and join in the conversation.
I have been learning about how to start a gratitude bullet journal – what a wonderful tool to keep your treasures before you each day. Especially as we approach Thanksgiving and our minds are focused on all we are blessed with. A gratitude journal doesn’t need to be fancy, but it can be fun. by using color, stencils, and whatever your creativity comes up with. 🙂
Jeanne
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Thanks for another reminder that perspective really helps during a storm (God’s been speaking to me about this lately). The trouble is, it has taken me too long to remember that God uses the storms for His glory IF we will allow Him.
But guess what? Another storm is sure to come (until we are with Him in glory). So, that means we will have more opportunities for growth.
So true, Beckie. Thanks for this! And, it isn’t like God is going to judge our performance. He is drawing us to relationship through things we face.
Peter is a good example of seeing storms from a different angle. He was the only one willing to step out of the boat in the middle of the storm. Although the physical danger was all around him, he was able to overcome the chaos by focusing on Jesus. We often focus on his sinking rather than his success. The lesson for me is to keep looking to Jesus who has already provided what we need through His Holy Spirit who lives with us and within us.
So true, Sheree. We tend to get down on Peter for sinking but the others never got a toe wet. 🙂 and, how about Joshua and Caleb, the only spies to keep their eyes focused on what God promised rather than the scary giants.
It’s so easy for me when I’m reading the Word to question the other spies – how in the world could they not have trusted like Joshua and Caleb? Yet, when I’m honest – I’m SO those other spies!! What’s tangible and real in front of me – that’s so much easier to base my facts on than on trusting that God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than I can ever imagine or think or ask. But, it’s something I’m working on daily – trusting God in the storm and on the ‘good’ days, too! Thanks for the reminder!