Reference Point
Connie Miller, Guest Writer
TODAY’S TREASURE
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis 1:1
We had just moved to an unfamiliar city in an unfamiliar state and one that was just so, well, unfamiliar! God had called my husband to a church plant in a town located on the southeastern coast of Florida. That area of the country is beautiful with a somewhat unvarying, flat topography leading many times to a false sense of direction. A state of perpetual disorientation was my plight if it hadn’t been for something that really stood out as a welcomed guide and reference point, the Jupiter Lighthouse. I could always tell where I was, whether in the daylight hours or during the darkness of night, by searching for this tall, glorious, colorful, lighthouse. This high towering edifice has been standing for over a century supporting maritime commercial vessels, seafaring fishing boats, beautiful yachts, and now this directionally challenged residential newcomer. I was so grateful for the rotation of its bright luminous ray at night and the towering bright red bricks I could see during the day. Its presence always sustained my whereabouts and assisted to point me in the right direction.
Let’s think about God as being our Great and Majestic Reference Point. You see, He is the One to help navigate not only the rough waters that each of us experience, but is the True Source of our joy, wisdom, and direction in all we encounter on a daily basis. Our Scripture today, Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God” sets the foundation for all that is. These first four, God-breathed, God-spoken words, establish the foundation for all we are and all we believe as Christians. These are simple, yet profound explosive words setting the context for life, meaning, and purpose. Because God is eternal, He has always existed. He has no beginning; He has no end. He is the Alpha and Omega. These four words in our Bibles make it very clear Who is at the center of all things. “In the beginning, GOD.”
A.W. Tozer made this statement, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”1 While I think his statement is true, I’m reminded by these four words, “In the beginning, God” that life is not necessarily about me, but necessarily everything to do with God. One of my favorite authors, Paul Tripp, put it this way. These four words “change everything, from the way that you think about your identity, meaning, and purpose to the way that you approach even the most incidental of human duties. Everything that was created was made by God and for God. All the glories of the created world were designed to point to His glory. The universe is His, designed to function according to His purpose and amazing plan to redeem a people for Himself.” 2
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
So what? Women, who or what do you search for when you feel like you’ve lost your way or life has brought hurt or confusion? Who or what is your reference point? We are often guilty of picturing God from our point of reference. That is we tend to view Him from earth to heaven and then fit Him into our circumstances and context. We need to challenge ourselves to view God from His reign and rule from heaven down to earth. We need to see God’s purposes in light of His context; in light of His sovereign rule of all things and the love that He has for His people. (Romans 8:28).
What now? Beloved, today think about how our Heavenly Father is ready to hear you. Call upon Him in the darkness of your journey. Call on Him to help you navigate the rough waters of life and circumstances. He stands ready to guide you, to help you, and comfort you. Because of Jesus, we can know this Great God who reigns and rules and flung the stars in place. Because of Jesus, we can call to Him and truly know the deep, deep love that He offers. Let Him be the Reference Point for your life today and every day.
PRAYER
Oh, Father, thank You that You are a light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet.
Thank You for being our Great Shepherd Who loves and leads, prods and guides. Help us to look to You always in the dailiness of life and to trust You even in the darkest of circumstances and to know You hold us in the palm of Your hand. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
1. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy. Page 9
2. Tripp, Paul David, New Morning Mercies, January 1
More free resources for help hope & healing:
Help & Hope podcast is a friend stepping into the private pain of listeners, acting as a tourniquet to help stop the bleeding of a hemorrhaging heart. There are over 160 podcasts that cover a variety of topics. This week’s featured story is: Breaking the Chains of Pornography with D Reju and J Holmes, Part 2
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Connie Miller and her husband, Mike, have been married for 43 years and have three adult children and three grandchildren. Together they served on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ for twelve years at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. Connie currently serves alongside her husband at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, North Carolina, where she served on the board to reorganize the church's women's ministries as well as chair the Titus II Ministry. She continues to disciple women at Christ Covenant Church today.
In addition to her roles in the church, Connie is a Real Estate Broker in Charlotte, NC, as well as a National Trainer for PCA Women's Ministry and the PCA International Advisor for PCA Women's Ministry conducting training in Nicaragua, Columbia, South America, Scotland, England, Ireland, and El Salvador.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Wednesday, 09 August 2023.
SHARE
