Perspective

To an artist or a photographer, perspective might have to do with how objects relate to one another, or it might have to do with size and shape.  For the rest of us, perspective most often has to do with point of view, or with how particular circumstances are viewed.  Both would be accurate definitions, and one definition is really not so different from the other.

Consider these photos from our recent trip to Oregon.  We visited Cannon Beach while were there and saw Haystack Rock, a large rock (about 235 feet tall) adjacent to the beach.  It's actually accessible by foot during low tide.

From a distance, further up the beach, it looks like this:

But, when you get closer, you become aware of just how enormous this rock actually is!

Can you see how small the people are in relation to the rock?

Life's problems are a lot like that.  Distance changes our perspective.  When we are in the middle of a situation, the problem seems enormous and insurmountable.  But distance, whether in taking a step back to look at the problem differently, or in time removed from the situation, can make a big difference in how we view things.  Our perspective changes.

I've been thinking this morning about many in my circle of family and friends who are dealing with some really tough stuff right now.  There are all sorts of issues.  Grief.  Illness.  Job stress.  The list is quite lengthy, and my heart is burdened for these dear ones and the challenges in their lives right now.

As I was thinking about all these things earlier today, and lifting these dear ones in prayer, a line from an old hymn kept floating through my mind......"Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear.  All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."

And then I read these words in a devotional book:

"Prayer takes the focus off of you and places it on the Lord Jesus Christ.  This is a deep and abiding spiritual truth.  Prayer is a gift from God that puts the focus where it belongs so you can find the solution to your problem.  When you take your eyes off of your circumstances and look into the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, your entire perspective changes."  (from Encouragement in His Presence by Dr. Don Wilton)

Perspective.  Point of view.  Attitude.  No matter what word we use, the truth remains that, regardless of our circumstances, when our focus is on Jesus - and not on circumstances or situations or ourselves - we are able to view whatever comes our way as part of the "all things" that are working together for our good and for His glory (see Romans 8:28).  Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, rather than on our circumstances, may not immediately change our situation, but it will certainly impact our attitude about the situation.  It will help us to see the situation from a different perspective.  It will help us deal with, and get through, whatever comes our way.

Are you dealing with some tough stuff right now?  Is there a situation in your life that seems as big as Haystack Rock viewed up close?  Talk to Jesus about it.  Tell Him exactly how you're feeling.  It will make a difference!

"Prayer places your focus where it should be, on the Lord Jesus Christ."  (Don Wilton)

"Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."  (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)