Do you need a better perspective in the midst of bad news?
I admit I can easily be distressed by watching too much news about the pandemic and all the problems it has created.
These are challenging times to keep a positive perspective from succumbing to hopelessness, choosing faith over fears.
What can we do to survive the daily pressures of life and not give way to fears? We need a better perspective.
Doing a few simple things can improve your mindset.
- Enjoy your favorite hobby. In the fast paced world, it is easy to neglect doing the things that bring pleasure. Pick up your colored pencils. Play your instrument.
- Go for a walk. Exercise doesn’t have to be difficult with fancy equipment and memberships. The sounds of nature can soothe the soul; the fresh air can clear your mind.
- Pray for God’s perspective on the situation. Release your concerns to the Lord.
- Refocus your mind on the truth of God’s Word. The Bible reminds us to keep a proper perspective on problems. Paul wrote much of the New Testament while in prison; his words encourage us to look beyond the present situation to the eternal perspective.
Look to the Lord for a better perspective.
The following Bible verses help me refocus and remember that God is sovereign in the midst of uncertainty. My heart is calmed when I meditate on the truth of God’s Word.
Recently I celebrated a significant birthday during the pandemic and during Holy Week. My husband ordered a take meal from a nice restaurant. Some friends made a cake for me. I connected with my far away family through technology. Although I wished we could have been around a common table, it was a blessing to see all the grandkids from different states on the same computer screen.
The next day, after a prayer and meditation of God’s blessings in my life, I played piano as an expression of praise to God. The music lifted my spirit.
It is Well with my Soul is one of my favorite hymns. The lyrics were penned by Horatio Spafford after a tragedy when his four daughters died in an accident at sea. The story behind the hymn improved my perspective.
Instead of focusing on his personal despair, Horatio Spafford chose the perspective of eternal hope and the faithfulness of God.
The Lord has been faithful in the past, he is trustworthy in the present situation, and will be dependable in the future.
It is well with my soul when I look to God. I pray that you will also look to the Lord for a better perspective.
