Have you ever felt like you were made for something greater or that there must be more?
That was the topic of my last post (read part 1 of Something Greater). When David found himself in a difficult place, the Bible says he encouraged himself in the Lord (see 1 Samuel 30:6). It’s in those difficult moments that we need to do the same in order to regain our vision (this is part 2 of the Something Greater).
Our vision for something greater often wanes or grows in accordance with how we think and feel about ourselves. Romans 12:3 instructs us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but I wonder how often we think of ourselves lower than we ought? After all, we are sons and daughters of the King. That doesn’t give us permission to be haughty but it does give us permission to be who He says we are. Author Tim Keller recently tweeted this statement,
Being selfless is to think of yourself less, not think less of yourself.
This week I want to give you some specific ways you can encourage yourself in the Lord in order to regain and recapture your God given vision. It sounds easy enough but how do you encourage yourself in the Lord? What does it look like? Start by speaking over yourself those things that God has spoken over you – both through His word and through your personal encounters with Him. We all need to remind ourselves how God sees us. Here are some examples from His Word. Try saying these out loud with conviction:
- I am accepted and loved in Christ (Ephesians 1:6)
- In Christ I have everything I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12)
- I was created for good works, which God laid out before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 2:10)
Download the full list called In Christ
Now here are some personal examples from my life that God has spoken to me and over me:
- You are my Elijah (There is story to this one)
- Your are to lead a generation in the worship and adoration of God
- You are my son and I am proud of you
- You will help to break the curse of fatherlessness off this generation
Sometimes our desire for something greater is really just discontent because we have forgotten who we are and what God has spoken over us. We’ve lost our way. Without a vision, it’s hard to know where we are going and we may feel lost and confused.
Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. (Proverbs 29:18 ESV)
What God says to us, about us and over us is prophetic vision. It’s truth declared and spoken. It’s a reminder of our identity in Him. It leads us and guides us. When we forget this it’s easy to get lost.
Four Steps To Regain Your Vision
Do you feel stuck, discontent or feel like there must be something more? How do you regain and rekindle our vision? If you don’t have or don’t know God’s vision for your life, this is a great place to start! Here are a few things that have helped me find or rekindle God’s vision for my life:
1) Take a personal retreat. Get your vision back and get some rest. You need God’s perspective. My friend Mark Batterson says, Change of Pace + Change of Place = Change of Perspective. Take some time, step away from the rat race to recharge, refresh and get in touch with the One who called you in the first place. Check out my blog on why I think you should take a personal retreat yearly.
2) Do something inspiring. Go to an art museum, hike a mountain, sit down with your favorite inspiring book and a cup of coffee or visit a place that inspires you. Speak God’s promises over your life. Ask Him to show you new ones as well. Sometimes we just need to get out of our normal routine and look at things from a different angle. For me it can be as simple as taking a walk. What inspires you?
3) Talk to someone. If you are like me, you over-think things. Everyone needs someone who can be a sounding board. Share your heart with someone who can help you to see things from a different perspective and pray with you and for you.
4) Realize there is a time and season for everything (see Eccl. 3:1). Sometimes when we are not where we want to be we are not stuck, it’s God’s doing. A mentor once gave me some wise advice. He said, respect the season. In other words, be where you are. I am notorious for getting ahead of God. Others struggle to catch up with what God is doing. Either way we can miss the wave. When we are in between waves we need to learn to rest and wait on God, but when it’s time to catch the next wave we need to paddle not sit still! It requires God’s sense of right timing to catch the wave. Here is a great blog by Matthew Barnett (founder of the LA Dream Center) about catching the waves.
I hope this helps you regain your vision and live God’s dream for your life!
What are some things God has spoken over you that you need to revisit? What are some ways you encourage yourself in the Lord?
Take A Step
Take a moment today and write those promises down and keep them somewhere you can see them. Speak them over your life when you get discouraged or anytime you need to strengthen and encourage yourself in the Lord!
Other posts you might enjoy
- Who Are You Really?
- Why I love Personal Retreats (and think you should take one too)
- The Secret to Being Content (Sermon)
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I loved the points about “respecting the season” and not getting “ahead of God.” I once heard it said … “Why it is so hard to do … nothing?”
Enjoyed reading this during a short devotional time this morning. Thanks, Kent.
Thanks Mike. It is hard to do…nothing! Especially for a type A personality. It helps me to remember that lasting abundant fruit comes from abiding or being with God (see John 15). Some people would say, that’s doing nothing =).