Sunday Drive - What Kind Of Lenses Are You Looking Through?

Have you heard how people can look at things through rose colored glasses? It usually means they an cheerful optimistic view, without any valid basis for it. Not that having a cheerful disposition is bad.

But isn't it interesting how our perspective can change with how we view things? So, by looking at a situation with rose colored glasses, you might be finding the good in it and ignoring the bad. Hmmm... That could be good, however, we don't want to be naïve and not be mindful of dangers out in this world.

Speaking of how we see things, I believe there are also, world 'glasses' (lenses) and God 'glasses' (lenses). When we look at life through world lenses, it can look kind of scary... it's pessimistic, discouraging. In fact, it could be poisoning your view. I believe the goal of those lenses is to pull you down, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Then there's God lenses. Now these lenses are the cure or antidote for poison. The Word of God reminds you that this world will have it's troubles, BUT God! Read the next verse!

John 16:33(NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Sometimes when we are in the midst of a struggle, we can only see so much. Our focus is centered on that struggle. There is more to it and we might only be seeing a very small piece of the whole picture. This is where we need to trust in The Lord.

Elijah was isolated and discouraged. He thought he was the only one left that was faithful to God. He wasn't looking through God lenses. He couldn't see clearly.

1 Kings 19:14(NLT)
14 He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

Elijah wasn't seeing the whole picture! It wasn't true, there were thousands in Israel that were also faithful. He wasn't alone.

There was also a time when it looked like the prophet Elisha and his servant were surrounded by an enemy. His servant was terrified, wondering what they were going to do. Elisha asked God to open his eyes. (To see through God lenses.)

2 Kings 6:17(NLT)
17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

Then he saw what was truly happening. God was already taking care of the situation. 

Things aren't always what they seem. We might only see a portion. We need to remember that God sees ALL things, and is truly in control. 

Take courage! Read God's Word. Try to see things through God lenses. He will not leave you or forsake you, EVER!

Joshua 1:9(NLT)
9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Matthew 14:27(NLT)
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!

Blessings,
Lori