When Fear Distorts Your Perspective

Devotional

Perspective is an integral part of our actions and reactions.

The other evening, I was at my weekly get together with friends. Currently, we are doing an eight-week movie theme where each week one of the movies we entered a random wheel spinner is selected. Based on the selection, we make food, drinks, and desserts inspired by things shown in the movie.

We meet at my friend’s home, which is in a secluded rural setting with very little obstructing the view outside the windows. The evening, we gathered, there was an outbreak of thunderstorms. The direction my seat faced looked directly toward the area where the storm clouds were forming. Another friend was sitting directly across from me, and both of us had a view of windows.

When the lightning started, we both pointed outside and said, “Oh, there’s lightning!” But from my vantage point, I could see the lightning coming from the clouds. What my friend was seeing, however, was only the reflection of the lightning in the window behind them. At first, they believed the lightning was coming from the direction they were facing, but after adjusting their perspective and turning around, they realized they had only been seeing a reflection. They had to change their viewpoint to understand where the lightning was truly coming from.

Our perspective on fear can work the same way. When we look at our circumstances through human eyes alone, our perspective is limited to an earthly viewpoint. We see barriers, roadblocks, impossibilities, and reasons to panic. Situations can begin to feel overwhelming and hopeless.

But when we surrender our fears to our all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present Heavenly Father, our perspective shifts. Instead of asking, “What can I do?” we begin asking, “What will God do?” Rather than staring at the problem through a distorted lens, we lift our eyes to the One who sees everything clearly.

God sees what we cannot. He sees what has been, what is happening now, and what is still to come.

God promises to keep us in perfect peace when we keep our minds fixed on Him. So, the next time your circumstances leave you wondering how you will make it through, look up and ask God to help you focus on the only One who has the perfect perspective.

Reflection

Fear shrinks when your perspective expands.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for watching over me and my circumstances. Thank You for seeing what I cannot see. When Fear Distorts My Perspective, help me keep my eyes focused on You and surrender my fears and need for control into Your hands. Amen.