March 12, 2023
A Shift in Perspective
Listen to the Full Audio Version Here
This past week felt like a whirlwind of chaos, frustration, and anxiety.
I felt like everyone, and everything was against me. I felt like no matter what I did, or purposed to do, things would not get better.
Friday came and I felt truth begin to pave its way through my mind. Then Saturday evening, God reminded me of these words.
You are just a pilgrim.
You might be wondering what in the world does that mean and how does that comfort you?
Hebrews 11 describes men and women of extraordinary faith in the Bible. And these heroes of the faith such as Abraham, Moses, and Noah had this in common - They knew that they were pilgrims, wanderers on the earth, and residents of heaven.
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:13-16
And just like these men and women of the faith considered themselves pilgrims on the earth, we also should remember that our permanent home is not of an earthly dwelling, but rather in the kingdom of God.
This truth shifted my perspective and refocused my attention on these truths -
1. We often place too much importance on the wrong things.
- Rather than focusing on the problems and situations of this life, we should be focused on the joy and purpose attached to the life to come. We should keep our minds fixed on the ultimate prize - eternal life with Jesus.
"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14
2. Our lives are but a vapor.
- The brevity of our lives makes the choices we make and the objects of our thoughts all that more important. Rather than spending our lives thinking and worrying about the mundane, we should be endeavoring to fulfill our God-given purpose.
"whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:14
3. We gain nothing from worrying.
- Worrying about our earthly circumstances and situations does not better those circumstances or situations. Worrying only perpetuates worry by leading us towards unstable thoughts, decisions, and outcomes. Worry often clouds our judgment, harms our health, and weighs down our relationships. Rather than worrying, we should place our faith and trust in the God who sees and knows all and promises to take care of all our needs.
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
