How I Gained a New Perspective
The busyness of the holidays are past and the decorations are packed away for another year. Recalling the joy and chaos of having all five young grandchildren in the house bring a smile, but also a twinge of sadness as I wonder when they will all be together again. The memories remain, but my spirit is tired.
I’ve found myself in a funk. Post-holiday blues? Maybe.
I look ahead with expectation to the new year with some trepidation. Unsettling family situations hover like a dark cloud. Uncertainty lingers as we consider my husband’s job. Is change ahead?
I admit I need a new perspective.
I know what I should do, but don’t do it. Can you relate?
Today I made three choices that have helped me gain a better perspective.
- I made time to visit with a long time friend. The comfort of a long conversation with a friend over a cup of coffee is healing salve for the soul. Someone who knows you and listens to your situation is an encouragement.
2. Since the weather was unseasonably warm for January, my husband and I got out for a vigorous three mile walk. My sluggish body got moving in the fresh air. The sunshine felt warm and lifted my spirit.
3. And finally, I did what I should have done at the beginning of the day. I read from the Bible. The best source to seek a better perspective is reading God’s Word.
When I’m troubled with a burdened heart, I know time spent reading the Word improve my mindset and mood.
Unfortunately, I don’t turn to God’s Word immediately although I know this should be my first response.
When I respond to God’s nudge to seek Him in the Word, I gain a better mindset and perspective.
Psalm 119 teaches the benefits of God’s word and contains the hope of a better mindset.
Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. Psalm 119:2 NIV
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 NIV
Seeking involves the diligent actions of study and application. My perspective won’t change if the words of scripture do not transform my thinking. The Word leads me to seek God and rely on Him more, changing my heart.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119: 15 NIV
Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27 NIV
The Psalmist uses the phrase “preserve my life” eleven times in Psalm 119 as a benefit of pursuing the promises of scripture. “Preserve” implies to refresh and refresh. When I feel discouraged, I know that God’s Word will restore hope.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:37 NIV
I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Psalm 119:93 NIV
At the end of the day, my funk lifted and my perspective improved.
These three things helped me gain a new perspective — the sweet visit with a friend, exercise in the fresh air, and most importantly, remembering to turn to the Word of God to encourage my soul.
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