New Perspective on Life

 New Perspective on Life

By Karla Hawkins

Are you feeling down or discouraged, or have you been struggling with negative or critical thoughts lately? If so, then you are not alone. Everyone feels this way sometimes, especially when going through hardships, loss, or illnesses. The important thing to remember, though, is that we shouldn’t let these feelings control us for very long. Instead, we should turn things around, and begin focusing our attention on a more positive and encouraging outlook. God’s word is a great place to start, so here are my top 7 Bible verses to improve your perspective on life.

Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Joseph’s story is ideal in any discussion about changing our perspective on life. He was born a favored son to Jacob, but he was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers as a young man. God continually blessed him in the middle of all of his trials, though, to eventually make him the second-in-command over all of Egypt. This verse reflects his words to his brothers when they were reunited, as he tells them that what they intended for harm against him God turned it around and used it for good. As a result of Joseph’s position in leadership, God saved all of his family from a great famine. I believe that God is always turning things around to bless us, and if we keep this in mind it will improve our own outlook on life as well.

Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

When things are going badly in our lives, it is easy to begin questioning ourselves, doubting our faith, or even blaming God for the difficulties. This path only leads to increased frustration and negativity, however, so I suggest reading and believing this passage by the psalmist David instead. He reminds us in this chapter that even when we face many troubles that God’s heart for us is to bless us with goodness and mercy. We are a part of his family and his household, and that his blessings will overtake the hardships.

Lamentations 3:58 “You have taken up my cause, O Lord; you have redeemed my life.”

When we join the family of God, we become a part of a huge network of believers around the world. But even more importantly than that, we become sons and daughter of God. And like it says in this verse, God takes up our cause—whatever it is—and redeems our life. In other words, if God is for us, then who can be against us? This thought brings me much hope, and I know it changes my own perspective when I am feeling discouraged or depressed.

Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

This is one of my top verses in life, because I see it as an awesome promise for me from the Lord. It is so encouraging to understand that God knows and has fabulous plans for my life. These plans are for my good and not for evil, because he wants to provide me with hope and a bright future. Wow!! This is so awesome! So when times are tough, I can re-read this passage with renewed joy—knowing that it is God’s hope-filled promise for me.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Some might think that Christians have an overly “rosy” outlook on life even when it doesn’t make any sense. But this verse is one of the reasons we have for being joy and hope-filled. God knows that in this life we will face trials and even persecution, but the apostle Paul provides us with a clear reminder here that God will work ALL things together for our good, as we are called according to his purpose. God loves us so much, that he sent his son to give us an abundant life—not a mediocre one.

Romans 8:37 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Another verse that can help us improve our perspective on life is this one, because Paul reminds us that we are more than conquerors through Christ. We don’t have to let the cares and troubles of life keep us down. We can turn things around, at least in our own thought patterns and feelings, and see things more positively. One of the greatest abilities we have in life is our ability to choose—we can choose to be distraught and discouraged or we can choose to believe in the truths of God’s word.

2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”

My final top verse for improving my attitude about life is found here in 2 Corinthians, as it points me straight back to the promises of God. The author assures us here that all of God’s promises are true and will come to pass, so we can trust and rely on him for everything. I can praise God for the challenges as well as the victories in my life, because he is amazing and he uses them all for my good. Even when I am tossed about in the middle of life’s storms, the Lord will turn things around for my welfare and success. I praise Him for that!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, if you are struggling through a challenging time right now, go to God and his word for renewed hope and encouragement. He will not only sustain you during a crisis, but he will also improve your perspective on life with a more positive focus and purpose. If you are feeling down, you might also consider going out and doing something nice for someone else, as this will help you will feel a lot better as well. Don’t let your feelings control you, rather choose to give everything to the Lord, and then sit back and see him work things out on your behalf.