Recently, I was traveling on an airplane and was given a window seat, which is always my seat option of choice, because I can glance out the window at an amazing view. This bird’s eye view of the world from an airplane window got me thinking, I couldn’t help but to look out the window and think about perspective, my perspective. Suddenly, everything I seemed to be struggling with didn’t seem so bad. My mind was going back and forth between different thoughts and I began to see a glimpse of what God might see when he looks down at His creation – the people that were made in His image.
Perspective may be a word some of us go to in the middle of a struggle or challenge, we tend to remind ourselves that things could always be worse. For some of us, we may rarely use the word, but regardless, we all have a perspective that we live by. The specific perspective we hold directly effects our lives, whether we realize it or not.
For me, the word “perspective” has become more and more meaningful and real to me as each year passes. First and foremost, as a Christ follower, if my perspective isn’t rooted in a Christian worldview, then everything else gets out of order. Remembering to keep this crucial principal at the forefront of our mind can often be difficult, but something as simple as flying on an airplane and looking out into the sky can remind you of this important truth. Try gazing at the vast night sky one evening when every star seems to be shining at its brightest peek, you won’t be able to help remember the importance of perspective and God’s view of us. Sometimes the reminder doesn’t seem quite as beautiful at first glance. Going through a serious health issue or tragedy can also bring you to remember the importance of perspective from God’s point of view. Wherever you find yourself today, I hope these simple thoughts encourage you on the value of perspective:
1- We are so small.
Sometimes we forget that there is a much bigger world happening outside of our own lives. We get caught up in our own rhythms and routines, when in reality, there are millions of other people also living their lives. Seeing how small we actually appear when gazing down at the earth from an airplane window can be quite the wakeup call. Even cars look like tiny ants moving around. Life is not just all about me, or you, it’s much bigger than that. Especially compared to God and his plans, we are so small, and our lives are short and fragile.
“..yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” -James 4:14
2- God is so big.
Where do we begin here? God is literally beyond our comprehension and we cannot fully understand Him. He created everything in the beginning, yet still holds the world in the palm of His hands. God has always been and always will be. He sees the big picture of everything and is not bound to time as we are. Nothing can compare or come close to His glorious power and might, His majesty and sovereignty, and His ability to do anything. Looking into the sky reminds me that God is big.
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.” Psalm 29:3-4
3- Thankfully, we have a position and purpose before God.
Yes, we are small, and yes, God is big, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t important. In the beginning, when God was creating everything, He saved the creation of mankind for last. This wasn’t by chance, but rather very intentional. Genesis 1:26 says, “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, after our likeness.” When God created the first male and female, Adam and Eve, he was delighted and bestowed great favor and authority upon them, which in return trickles down to us. God has entrusted us to have dominion over this world and be good stewards of what we have been given, because we were created in HIS image! I think it’s when we begin to look at ourselves for who we are in Gods eyes that we really begin to live life to the fullest.
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet..” Psalm 8:3-6
When we embrace our weakness and inability, God displays His strength and ability in and through us. God has specific plans for our lives that we must carry out. He wants to use us, and he chooses to use us. Although God is beyond our comprehension and bigger than we could ever imagine, He’s also personal and relational with us. He designed us for relationship with Him, which is amazing to me.
When our perspective is set beyond ourselves and towards God’s heart, that’s when our perspective is at its best. Next time you find yourself losing that perspective, look at the sky and be reminded.
Matthew Weaver 