By Lisa S. Tarno

Learning to stare at God and glance at our lives is a great teaching method authored by Kristi McClelland to approach studying the Bible with a Middle Eastern lens opposed to our Western lens.

I’m thoroughly enjoying her study right now called “Jesus & Women: In The First Century And Now” I am chewing on this approach with real time life happening right now. Last week it was looking at the persistent widow parable and this week is teaching me about what is grabbing my attention. 

“When we stare at our lives and glance at God, the troubles and problems in our lives can begin to look huge. If we are not careful, our problems take up most of the space in our thoughts and consequently govern our hearts and emotions.” ~ Kristi McClelland

I think of the bumper sticker, “No Jesus, No Peace: Know Jesus, Know Peace” and it’s all how we look at life that is so revealing. Truth be said, even in knowing Jesus, I have had times of not knowing peace but that was because my gaze was probably more on the problem than on Him. I admit that it takes tremendous effort to rally my wayward thoughts and bring them into proper alignment. Left on their own, my thoughts can quickly spiral to great depths in certain times. 

Kristi further writes, “When we intentionally focus our minds and hearts on God, our troubles take on their proper perspective.” It’s like applying aloe vera gel to a sunburn type of word picture. I know for me that when I listen to faith building praise music and agree with the lyrics I feel different. I feel strengthened and aligned correctly. I’m REMINDED that God has been faithful before and will be again; He can move mountains and make a way where there is no way; that if I speak the name of Jesus darkness will flee; His name is power; His name is life; That I am to command my soul to be still and know that He is still the God of miracles; That He is a Way Maker; That He won’t fail me now; That I can take Him at His Word…. And many other lyrics that come to mind!

Sometimes, it is a minute by minute taking my thoughts captive effort! This is why prayer and meditation is so important in our lives. The persistence of prayer creates a good habit of taking it all to the only One who can do something about what concerns us. We are invited to cast all our cares on Him…” Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries and all your cares, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over your very carefully].” 1 Peter 5:7

I’m still thinking about my youngest son away at college and the car has been in the shop for over three weeks. He has missed work (which he needs to pay for rent, food and utilities) and there is no answer to when the car will be complete and fixed. It’s a complicated thing with a faulty part being sent and not working and the process to get the right thing done is taking too long as it keep gets delayed in corporate America. In the meanwhile, I am trying to teach my son the importance of waiting well and that God meets all our needs and He will be faithful in this as well…part a pep talk for him and part for me if I am honest. 

I want there to be a great God story in this when it’s said and done. Perhaps there still will be but yet we wait. My mom’s heart prayer is, “God, please show my son how faithful you are! Meet him where he is at and provide for his needs. Let this experience draw him closer to you and not create a huge chasm of doubt that you care or provide. Please do something wonderful. Show up God! Where are you? I know your timing is perfect, please tell my heart that too.”

I sit and write this miles away from him unable to do anything tangible to transport him. It’s such a helpless feeling as I concede, “God, this is out of my control! Please help!” So, as I write this in real time….my attention flutters between on God and on the problem and I desire for it to be resolved sooner than later. I must fix my gaze, STARE, on God and participate in the peace that He offers. 

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3