I Chronicles 16:24-26
Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made the heavens.
The Bible calls all of this world’s gods mere idols–but the Lord, who made the heavens, deserves praise. Most people remain blind to God’s glory because the news, their education, their unbelieving friends, and popular media/entertainment glorify all sorts of other things: Mother Earth, money, fame, celebrities, sports, causes, even themselves. Voices from all sides demand that we give glory to, or magnify, such idols. But I choose what or whom I magnify. No one can dictate what I focus on or deem most important.
Surprisingly often these days, I hear people comment that “The Universe” must be trying to tell them something or “The Universe” must want things to happen a certain way. I know it’s not politically correct, but some day I might respond with, “That’s interesting because the universe’s Creator is always trying to tell me something.” This might catch them off guard by pointing out the reality of something even bigger and greater than the universe. They magnify creation, but I magnify the One who made it.
Magnifying something or someone is like using a microscope. Most people spend a lifetime gazing into their figurative microscopes, indiscriminately allowing others to shove slides under the lens. But I control my microscope and what I choose to focus on.
We always have a choice as to what we magnify. The twelve spies Moses sent in to investigate the Promised Land are a prime example. Ten spies returned fearfully highlighting the size of the giants and their own comparative puniness. In contrast, Joshua and Caleb focused on God’s greatness and His ability to give them victory over those giants.
In another example, Luke 1 tells that the angel Gabriel appeared to two individuals, bringing them great news. He told the priest Zechariah that he and his wife would, even in their old age, have a baby–the longing of their hearts. Zechariah’s mind immediately flew into logic-mode and he asked, “How can this be?” It made no sense because he magnified his sense of reason rather than God’s ability. Gabriel strongly rebuked Zechariah, making him mute until John the Baptist’s birth.
Next Gabriel appeared to Mary with the news that she, a virgin, would give birth to the Messiah. Her response to this illogical declaration sounded nothing like Zechariah’s. Mary, by faith, declared, “My soul magnifies the Lord!” She decided to put God under her microscope.
Years later Jesus declared, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). ALL things are possible!
So don’t let the voices vying for your attention distract you from your place of faith. Take time to analyze what they urge you to focus on. Does it lead you into fear or faith? You get to decide what gets magnified. It’s your microscope!
Wonderful, Carrie. Important takeaway for me – in addition to what and/or who we magnify – was “I choose to focus on….” WE have a choice of which paradigm we want to view our individual circumstances through, aren’t we?? What a novel way of expressing these concepts – thank you!
oops! Should have said, “WE have a choice of which paradigm we want to view our individual circumstances through, don’t we??”