"When our Perspective Changes" 111111

'I've got the joy, joy, joy..joy...down in my heart!!!!'

Back in my hometown...
I grew up hearing these words in a delightful little song that only children can sing,
while never questioning...the possibility...
Somehow, just singing the words would make it true!!

I still believe that is the way praise works.
As we get older...we analyze more, think harder and remember a lot of what often needs forgotten.

But, praise takes us to a place both deep within our hearts and yet outside of our heads...it takes us to a place where life becomes filled with possibilities.
We suddenly recognize that even though our circumstance hasn't changed our perspective has.

Imagine sitting on a beach, the day is coming to a close, you are alone, you are at peace, you are breathing in slowly a moment created just for you and all you can hear are the waves crashing against the sand. The breeze is blowing gently across your face, the warm salty air blankets you, as you exhale the goodness of this moment.
As the sun is setting against the color filled horizon and sea gulls fly silently over head,
you realize that for this brief time...anything is possible.....your perspective has changed..

Joy begins to stir within...you long to hold to this moment....

But, how?....
How do we hold to a time when peace captured our souls?
How do we sustain ourselves, when we have walked away from the sunset and hold it as a memory??

That sustenance comes by looking not only "at" the sunset, but looking "past it"...
to the very One who made the sunset.

You were created by God to praise Him. ( Isa. 43:7, Matt. 21:16).
Praising Him in the setting of the sun (or even in the howling winds of change)
restores us to a right relationship.
The scripture tells us, that God dwells in the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3)

Today, instead of analyzing more, thinking harder and remembering what is often best forgotten, choose to place your sight just beyond the glorious sunset...to the One who calms the raging seas.

You need never question the 'possibility' of joy, joy, joy. Because the good news is, even though perspective can change. He never does!!...
The joy and peace available in the setting sun is as close as your next breath....
when you open your heart and Praise Him.

     "As we draw near to the Father in praise, He draws near to us" ( James 4:8).