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“So many of our trials are skewed by our perspective.”

A thought by Chris Hodge from his book, The Daniel Dilemma: How to Stand Firm and Love Well in a Culture of Compromise (Kindle Locations 1227). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Perspective is our word for today and it is a very important word.  It could even become your word of the month or even of the year, depending on what you are going through.

Chris says, “For us, our problems seem overwhelming and all-encompassing while God seems small and distant. But for God, the all-powerful and all-present Lord of all creation, our problems must seem quite small.  However, when we meet him in quiet time alone together, then our perspective reaches a point of balance. We still may not be able to see beyond our problems or imagine how we’ll get through them, but we know we’re going to keep our eyes on Jesus each step forward.”

He goes on, “The more time you spend with Jesus, the less time you’re going to spend being intimidated by the opinions of others or worrying about your problems. Worshipping God has become the first thing I do whenever I’m faced with a loss, crisis, or major setback. This didn’t always come naturally to me, but now I recognize how it has saved me so many times as I seek to stand strong in my faith. Worship is your lifeblood. It will produce courage to fuel your faith when you’re being tested.”

Earlier Chris said, “I’m convinced the secret to finding encouragement relies on our response—not our reaction. When something hard happens, it’s tempting to react—to express our anger, fear, confusion, and frustration with no filter. We may lash out at others, blame ourselves, experience extreme anxiety, or sink into depression. But we have to do more than simply express our feelings; we must direct them to God and surrender ourselves to time alone in worship. In that time, we each must ask ourselves, ‘Am I responding or reacting?’”


Let’s respond to that problem by looking to and spending time with God.  When we do that problem will take on a  whole different perspective.  

So are you overwhelmed or encouraged? 

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