A CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVE
This year has been tough, filled with pain and suffering. Our sense of well-being and security has been shaken as we faced events that in our lifetime we have never faced: global pandemic, financial uncertainty, the loss of loved ones and extended isolation from our normal support systems. It is easy to find things to complain about, to look around and wonder if God is really here with us. How can we listen for that voice of hope and truth when all around us we hear voices filled with fear and doubt?
Maybe it is time to change our perspective.
Years ago, when I was getting my bachelor’s degree, I thought I wanted to be a TV news anchor. Near the end of my schooling I had the opportunity to work at one of our local news stations to complete a one month internship. One of my jobs was to watch the nightly news and rank whose leading story was the best. The ranking was determined by whose story produced the most shock and fear. Their goal was to cause their viewers to think, “This just happened, and it could happen to you!” Whoever had the most shocking and disturbing lead story would “win”. There was no “journalistic integrity” there. It was all about putting the best spin on things to elicit that negative emotional response. If that is all you are filling your mind with, be aware they are trying to manipulate you and increase your fearfulness. God’s Word says that Satan is the “prince of the air” and you can see his hand at work in the negative focus of our news.
In Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul tells us, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This is a commandment that God has given us to help us handle the tough things in our lives. It was given to the people in Thessalonica who “received the word in much affliction”. God was not telling them to dwell on their circumstances, nor to be overwhelmed by fear, He was instructing them to rejoice and pray no matter what. They were to give thanks in everything. Maybe not for everything. How could they do that in the midst of their persecutions, in spite of their afflictions? They had to stop looking at their circumstances from a worldly perspective and see things from a godly one.
God knows the trouble we are in. He is not a distant or disconnected from our sufferings.
God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
When we believe what God’s Word says about who He is, we can overcome our fear with faith.
Choosing to listen to what God says, that “Voice of Truth” can help us change the way we face the storms in our lives. Instead of listening to all the voices in the air around us, focusing on what the news media is telling us and trying to provoke that fear in us, we can purposely tune those voices out and attend to the voice of our loving and powerful and very present God as He shows us how He is working all things for good in the midst of our sufferings.
“But the voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says, “Do not be afraid!”
The Voice of Truth says, “This is for My glory.”
Out of all the voices calling out to me. I will “choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.” (chorus from Casting Crowns song Voice of Truth)
Let’s change our perspective. Look at things through the eyes of God. Find things to rejoice in. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how God sees things and look for the hand of God to save you and help you in the midst of your trouble. And give Him thanks in everything.
May God fill you with joy and peace as you look at things from His perspective so that with grateful hearts you will overflow with hope through the power of His Holy Spirit.
Your sister in Christ,
Betsy O’Callaghan