Perspective
I took these pictures within minutes of each other as we drove home the other day. I turned around to capture the one with the blue sky peeking through the clouds and the other I took through the front window of the car. One sky – two different perspectives. Depending on my point of view I saw either a gathering storm or a beautiful day breaking over the horizon. My choice.
So much of the way we see life depends on our perspective. Two people can look at the same circumstances and draw from them completely different conclusions. Some of us will naturally see a sunny day while others can’t help but fear the worst – a storm is coming. Perhaps, in spite of our natural bent, we can learn to see things with spiritual eyes. When seen through the lens of God’s word, our circumstances can look completely different from what we see with our natural eyes and all too human mind.
When life becomes difficult and we feel we are hopelessly alone, we can look at what God says about it:
“And the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. do not fear, or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
On those days when it feels as though you have failed miserably and no-one, let alone the Lord, could possibly love you or forgive you:
“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:35
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Or that time when it all looks so hopeless:
“…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched. Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel your Savior.” Isaiah 43: 1-3
Life, with its sorrows and suffering, has a way of obscuring our view of the blue sky just on the edge of the dark, roiling clouds. Be assured, there is no circumstance outside of God’s love and care for you. He is in control of everything around you and in you, and He will keep every promise He has ever made. Sometimes we go through the storm, but we never go alone. At times we feel battered and worn, but He has promised His peace. Every single time, His word is true and His love for you everlasting.
“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8: 37-39
Blessings,
Linda
I love the Scripture passages you have quoted here, especially Romans 8. I need to put that one on a card to remind me of that. And you are right; we can see things different ways. May I always see the promises of God, and don’t fix my eyes on my circumstances.
Thank you for the reminder to choose faith, God’s promises of hope. A good word.
Perspective can change a lot of things, especially the heart. Good post!