The Hat – Part Two
I’m now a couple of days past the drama of creating the hat, and the more often I look at it, the more I appreciate it and the reminders (rebukes & encouragements) it provides.
Not only is the hat an inspiration to spend time with my Lord, but it also admonishes me to keep the proper perspective on what is going on in my life.
In the events leading up to the hat, I was discouraged, defeated, disillusioned. I was looking for something that I could do that would satisfy my dissatisfaction with my current circumstances. Friends offered encouragement and help and yet I had to do this by myself.
Everything in that paragraph is how to do things wrong.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will me all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus..
God will provide everything I need.
Deuteronomy 31:8
the LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God will provide comfort in my distress & discouragement.
I was so focused on getting to where I wanted to be, that I tried to get there by myself.
Exodus 33:15
Then Moses said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”
By taking my eyes off my Saviour, I not only became discouraged, but I set my goal as the best that I could do by myself – not a very lofty goal, as illustrated by the original condition of the hat.
John 14:26-27
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
There was nothing wrong with making a hat, but there was everything wrong with why and how I and my attitude did it. One of my favourite hymns is Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. It is a wonderful reminder of where I will find peace, encouragement and rest.
Turn Your eyes Upon Jesus
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.