Don’t be a navel gazer

Pastor Clark Schultz

Both my father and wife love the challenge of putting together 1,000+ piece puzzles. I, on the other hand, like to stick to the ones my kids hand me that have 8-12 pieces tops. But 1,000 or 8 pieces, nothing is more frustrating then when there’s a piece or pieces missing. The puzzle is incomplete. You could try to jam other pieces in there, but it wouldn’t look right or complete the picture properly. 

Life can be like a puzzle with missing pieces. Every day we wage war with ourselves to fill the missing pieces with items that are me-centric: money, me, possessions, me, sports, me, etc. The trouble is these pieces don’t fit, nor do they complete the picture God intends for our lives. 

The apostle Paul gives us some practical advice in Colossians 3:1,2: “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Instead of being navel gazers, look to Jesus who says to you, “My head is filled with the requirements God has for you, and I kept those in your place.” He also says, “My heart bleeds nothing but love for you . . . enough to die for you. The trial is over. Stop trying to go back into the courtroom. The puzzle of salvation is complete; you are saved.”

So enjoy the blessings God showers on you while letting your head and heart put the pieces together of God’s love for you. And be at peace.

Devotional used by permission of Time of Grace®. For more information, visit timeofgrace.org