Perspective

By Paula Williamson guest writer

Perspective

One day, I sat down and wrote all the things that were wrong with my life, thinking that would make me feel better. Zilch! Nada! Epic fail!

Then a still small voice floated into my thoughts–write down everything good. I confess, it was hard. I started with my senses–I could see, hear, smell, taste, touch, and then three pages later I was in grateful tears.

Human nature makes us prone to see, fixate on, and talk about the negative, but what if we didn’t? What if we shift our focus to the good, fixate on the good, talk about the good?

It’s a life changer! One day, after my older sister heard my list of complaints, she said, “Look for the good. If you don’t see it, look again; if you still don’t see it, look really hard.” What she said was a life-changer.

It is written:

ROMANS 8:28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

Focus

I wonder what Joseph focused on in his dream as a child, and how that changed by the time he arrived on the throne. What did David focus on while hiding in the caves from Saul? What did Jesus focus on as He endured the cross? To have the peace and joy He died for, we must change our perspective and aim higher than what we see and hear in this physical world. If we want to live in peace, happiness, and contentment, we have to shift our perspective to focus on the good.

Prayer

Oh Lord, no matter what comes my way, I have the victory! You cause all things to work for my good, whether for character building, humbling, maturity, or faith- building. I do not lose hidden in YOU.

Takeaway

What a powerful place we stand. Shift your focus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. PHILIPPIANS 4:8