Phantasmagoria:

While studying today I went to dictionary.com to look up a normal, human word…and this word of the day pops up. It is a perfect description of my morning.

phantasmagoria: fan-taz-muh-GOR-ee-uh\ , noun;
1. A shifting series or succession of things seen or imagined, as in a dream.
2. Any constantly changing scene.

Life is like this. You think you get things figured out and…boom…it all changes. Depending on your inner stability, handling pop-ups in life can be a source of minor irritation or a source of anxiety. I’m not sure why we feel the need to create a perfectly serene, fantasy life…in our mind, but we do...we all dream of perfection and peace. No ripples allowed. Just let me take pleasure in life – laugh heartily – possess plenty – enjoy good health – experience great times with friends….that’s all I want. Sound like you, too?

But what happens when it doesn’t work this way? What happens when your fantasy falls flat? Each situation seems to yell, “Now, let’s see you handle this one!” For one thing, we recognize the source. We have an enemy. He’s made it his focus to destroy God’s creation and to rob us of happiness by foiling our fantasies and destroying our dreams.

This morning, I attempted to capture another session of spirituality, as I did yesterday. I posted the result on fb:

It can't get any better than this...A challenging book of studies uncovering ancient hidden truths under the sands of Greek thinking, laptop geared for Perry Stone video of the week, cappuccino in my favorite yellow mug...cell ph. near (of course)...then it gets worse than this...the laptop decides to shut down and update ‘stuff’, the weekly lawn maintenance megamower roars next to the lanai, and Kringle wants to go outside. That’s life. Not perfect. Plans change. But we go with the flow….God is still holy.

Amazing…my life doesn’t hinder the holiness of God. It does not weaken His power. Earthly things have zero affect on the might or majesty of God. Jesus still died on the cross for my sins. He still sits at the right Hand of God, making intercession for me. Jesus Christ loves me the same…day in and day out. The Word says that He is coming for me one day. When the trumpet sounds, the dead in Christ will rise…then those who remain will be caught up together with them, to meet the Lord in the air…and we will forever be with Him. Wow.

Philippians 4:6,7 (The Message Bible) Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Christians, we’re leaving here soon. Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff when compared to the glory we will inherit shortly. The Word instructs us to be anxious for nothing….just give Him glory and praise. The devil hates it…God loves it…and we gain control of a phantasmagoria of broken appliances, stalled cars, bursting pipes, fender benders, burned biscuits…and whatever else life tosses our way. It’s a big word, phantasmagoria. I’ll never remember it. But, then I don’t need to. My God has everything in control. Including me.