Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 NKJV
The word perspective has numerous meanings but when I am speaking of the proper perspective, I am speaking of how we view things or our outlook. Different people view things in different ways. The phrase, “The glass is half full” is used to describe someone who has an optimistic outlook on life.
Whereas “The glass is half-empty” is used to describe someone with a pessimistic or negative outlook. I used to be a glass is half-empty kind of person. At times the glass was not only half-empty, but it had a hole in the bottom and could not hold liquid.
Living that way was exhausting. It takes a lot of energy to constantly wonder what you are going to do when the well or the glass runs dry. If something bad happens you use a lot of energy imagining the worst-case scenario and how it will impact your life for many years to come.
When I dedicated my life to Christ, my perspective changed. I had a new outlook. I became a “My cup is full and is running over” kind of person. I let go of the negative things and focused on God. God is positive and it requires very little energy to focus on Him. As a matter of fact, Jesus even said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
Jesus goes on to say in vv. 29-20, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” What I am trying to explain to you is if your perspective or outlook is negative, you are exhausting yourselves.
I know this because I’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt. Our Scripture passage encourages us to meditate on the good things or to focus on the positive. I want you to pay attention to what Paul is telling the Philippians here. He is telling them to focus on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. What fits all these things?
The only things I know of that has all these qualities are God and His word. If we focus on God and His word and meditate on it, our whole outlook will be changed. I know because I have tried it.
I’m not going to say I never go back to my old negative way of thinking. I will, however, say I don’t stay there very long. Before long, I remember this is not the way God told me to think. His word tells me to focus on the positive. Meditate on Him and His word.
His word tells me Jesus will give me rest when the burden is too much for me to bear. His word tells me if I focus on Him, He will supply all that I need (Matthew 6:33-34).
If you claim to believe in God and love Him but have a negative outlook you might want to check yourself. The two just don’t go together. If we believe in Him, we trust that He will take care of us. If we love Him, we know He’s got our back and we want to please Him. We can’t please Him without faith (Hebrews 11:6).
My former pastor said in his last sermon, a grumpy Christian is an oxymoron. If your life is filled with worry and anxiety to the point where you are grouchy and no fun to be around, trust in Him. Give it all over to Him. It’s too much for you to handle anyway.
Let the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) flood your soul. Exchange your empty glass for one that is filled and running over. You will be so glad you did.
Have a great day!