“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 (NIV)
“Look up,” my horseback riding instructor shouted from across the arena. “You don’t need to look down. You’ll know if your horse isn’t below you when you hit the dirt.” She had a point.
Rather than looking forward as I loped around the arena, I stared intently at my horse’s neck to make sure that he was still there. Somehow I knew that at any moment, he may decide to leave me behind. If I just kept gazing at his mane, he would stay with me.
But if I keep my eyes forward, I would see the beautiful trees and pastoral pastures surrounding the arena on a warm summer day. I would see my greatest fans cheering me on from the fence. I would notice my horse’s elegant lope rather than fear that he might depart from me. I would enjoy the ride.
I have experienced the same problem in the way that I go about my life. Sometimes, I am so unsure of my circumstances, that I cannot help but look down and anticipate the worst. I focus on problems at work, financial issues, or anxiety about the future.
But by looking down and gazing at my potential troubles, I miss all that God is doing around me today. I miss the way God speaks to me through conversations with loved ones, crystal blue skies on crisp fall days, or even the quietness of my heart. My horseback riding lesson reminded me that I need to look up and “taste and see that the Lord is good” with eyes expecting to see God’s goodness.
In what ways have you seen God’s goodness around you today?
By: Sara Callen
Photo Credit: Sarah Owen
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“You’ll know your horse isn’t below you when you hit the dirt.” I. Love. This.
Right now in my life I’ve been called to do some thing that seem pretty crazy because there doesn’t appear to be any evidence that there is purpose in it, or that I’ll find *success* in the stepping out. But, faith is just that – it’s pressing forward where He calls us, even though…and it’s where we truly find *success*.
Your post today reminds me not to question in those times when He leads me. He’ll get me there. We might bump into a tree or two, but chances are we won’t. He knows best. He’ll guide me and lead me to safety, and most of all into His loving arms. Even if I heard Him wrong. Even if I misunderstood Him. Still, He’ll lead me. Such. Truth.
Rich blessings to you, Sara, as you let your Stallion lead you…
Thanks so much, Amy! I am praying for you as you press forward in faith toward His calling in your life. It is so true that He leads us perfectly because He loves us and knows best.
Oh how much I appreciate your prayers, Sara! Thank you!
Great reminder! Something I’ve been struggling with this very morning! Thank you.
Wonderful post, Sara. And really needed the reminder this morning. I too look down too often and focus on things not in my control, ( How I love to feel I am in control. HA! ) when all I need is to look up and leave it to Him.
Thank you for this today.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts. It is SO easy to get caught up in the negatives of life. It is during these negatives of life that God is preparing some of the most unique blessings of goodness. Looking UP allows us to see God in all the little things, in the every day moments. Such a great post for me to read as my husband and I begin round 5 of fertility treatments. Thank you!
Sara, this is beautiful. And you’re right…we miss so much when we are looking down and focusing on the worst. I love your perspective here!
I had but to look outside my front door to see His faithfulness. My little girls, some of whom even weeks ago had no home themselves sleeping in rubbish heaps, built a miniature village where every doll had a room and a bed and food to eat, a lavish home, a place of beauty… they arranged their dreams right there in the dirt by my porch. And they called our home together where we live as one family, Hai Paradise. God’s goodness ran hot in tears of gratitude down my face as I watched them dream, not only for themselves but for {our} nation. Thanks Jesus.
What a beautiful picture of God’s goodness reflected in the dreams of children. Thank you so much for sharing!
By reading this post! I was just singing “O taste and see that the Lord is good” about ten minutes ago and here it is again… with such a good reminder for me to relax and enjoy the ride… to gaze again at the big picture and my sweet encouraging “fans” and Jesus above all. THANK YOU! Jesus knew I needed this right this moment. : )
It is amazing how God can speak to us in so many ways at just the right moment. Blessings to you, Melissa!
Excellent reminder – and such a perfect, too-true analogy!
Thanks, Sara!
I just read that Scripture recently. Today I have been pondering why I’ve been in such a bad mood today and I think this is the answer. I haven’t written in my gratitude journal at all, I’ve just been so focused on a couple of struggles going on. I’m going to look up!