5-27-16 Perspective
If I am to assume a divine perspective on problems, it will be necessary to look at life in the same way that God does. According to Isaiah 46:10, God has declared the end from the beginning. He sees eternity future from eternity past. How do I typically think? Mostly in the realm of eternity present - that is........today. For that reason alone, when an unexpected ( and unwanted) problem comes along to "mess up" MY well ordered life, I struggle with a self focus of disappointment, discouragement or unfulfilled expectations. At those times, my hopes appear to be shattered, and it seems as though I don't even have the strength to "pick up the pieces". Proverbs 13:12 teaches me that hope deferred maketh the heart sick. If those hopes are not in line with God's plan and purpose for my life, there is inner conflict and lack of perfect peace.
How, then, should I view problems as God does? Based on God's Word, I, as He, must view eternity future from eternity past. What? How do I do that?
FIrst, as a blood bought redeemed child of God, I must maintain an eternal focus. After all, in the instance of suffering, God says in Romans 8:18 that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in me. In times of interpersonal conflicts, I must bring God's thoughts, which are declared as higher than mine in Isaiah 55, into my view. He teaches me in Colossians 3:24 that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
So,regardless of the problem, I am to set my affections on things above, not on this earth (Colossians 3:2), and my expectation is to be from the Lord (Psalm 62:5).
God has reminded me of this spiritual principle over these weeks of my post operative buoyancy pool therapy. The water is a continually moving turbulence. I am working on balance, trying to stand. Instinctively, my eyes go to the water, making the goal impossible. My therapists are continually reminding me to "don't look at the water, look at something on the wall". Amazingly, the instant I do so, I move from instability to stability. What a biblical reminder of the same principle when Peter checked out the waves rather than keeping his eyes on the Master.
So - in the problem, I must keep my eyes on the promised future glory that awaits me.
My assurance of that has been secured in earlier times, and my position is accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6)
With my eternity future secure, and my eternity past reconciled, I can now deal with "the problem" in eternity present, whatever it may be, in a God-focused manner. Knowing that God's way is perfect (Psalm 18:30), and that His purpose in all things is to conform me to Christ (Romans 8:28-29). I am assured that His eternal plan is
being accomplished, according to His will (Ephesians 1:11), knowing that, according to His promise, His constant presence is with me (Hebrews 13:5). I can rest in His continuing faithfulness, understanding that He will not
allow any trial that is greater than I can bear, but will make a way of escape for me, so that it is bearable
(1 Corinthians 10:13). In that way of escape, His grace will be sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9), and I can know His perfect peace, as His redeemed child, to the direct extent that I keep my mind stayed on Him
( Isaiah 26:3).
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