Perspective Changes Everything

"It's possible for people to look at the same thing and see it differently.

That's called perspective."

Brad Henderson

 

I have learned much through my involvement in Moms in Prayer International but one of the most valuable things has been to begin prayer with praise using God's own Word. When we begin prayer in this manner, we begin with corrected vision. We see our circumstances through the eyes and character of the Most High God instead of our circumstances. That is, our perspective changes, and—

 

Perspective changes everything.

 

As we praise the Lord God through His own words—reflecting on, thinking on, declaring and perceiving the vastness, worthiness, and strength of God—we honor God for Who He is. We "put" Him in His rightful position as Creator and Sovereign over the looming large to the minute details of the universe. As we declare His reality through praise, our perception is changed and sharpened.

 

Praise magnifies God. Our vision is filled with a God that is bigger than we imagined.  Best of all, we experience a wonderful awareness of His presence and hear His words—“Courage!  I AM!”  He is a BIG God, completely faithful, trustworthy, and good!

 

Praise changes the pray-er, because it is centered on God. And what we center our lives on is what determines our perspective. To quote Steven Covey—

 

Whatever is at the center of your life

will be the source of your

strength, guidance, wisdom, and power.

 

Praise results in a deepened confidence, or trust, in God.  When that happens, we can know the rest of God in any situation.  Teaching on Ecclesiastes 3, Brad Henderson said, in contrast to the "brutality" of life "under the sun"—

 

The events of life "from the hand of God" are …

beautiful, enjoyable, secure, and perfect.

 

The details of life can often be difficult, but the plan of God is good. That is because His plan is filtered through His holiness and love. And praise reminds us of that. That is what Habakkuk discovered. Praise made all the difference for him as his perspective changed to see the triumph of God—

 

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,

and there are no grapes on the vines;

even though the olive crop fails,

and the fields lie empty and barren;

even though the flocks die in the fields,

and the cattle barns are empty,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord!

I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

The Sovereign Lord is my strength!

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

able to tread upon the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

So let us praise and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)

 

Perspective changes everything!