In this week’s timely teaching video, Pastor Dave teaches us about the power of perspective. In times of uncertainty, many of us are struggling with the idea of faith vs. fear. If you are wondering how to deal with anxiety during these times, the prescription for frustration and fear is perspective. Just being positive isn’t enough. Our perspective and God’s perspective must be one in the same.

Where do we get our perspective from?

Our foundational ways of thinking are formed out of past experiences. The following list is only some of the things that form our perspective.

• What our parents teach us
• The Media
• Friends
• Books
• Movies
• Environment
• Background
• Genetics
• Culture

The awesome part about perspective is that it can always be changed. A paradigm shift, occurs when we change our foundational ways of thinking. As Christians, we want to shift our paradigm to align with God’s perspective. Above all, if we allow god to touch our heart and see things the right way he will help us through our uncertainty, comfort us in times of fear, and bring us peace that transcends all understanding.

How do we change our perspective?

Here are 3 perspective game changers:

1. Acknowledge that God is in control

If God is truly in control of our lives, there is nothing against us that he can’t handle. If we submit to God and let him be lord of our life then we are fighting from a place of victory, not for victory. It’s scary when we have to carry the load ourselves, but it is a lot less scary when we put it in God’s hands and trust that he is going to take care of everything. The Bible tells us that his way is above our ways. This is the perspective that we need to have.

my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the lord. Isaiah 55:8

The way that we think things should be aren’t necessarily the way that God wants them to be or the way that he sees them. If and when we put God in control of our lives, then he will have our backs. We may not always see the path, but God wants us to rely on him, trust in him, and know that he will lead us and guide us.

“What then shall we say to these things, if God is for us, who can be against us?”         Romans 8:31 (ESV) 

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3: 5-6

2. Have gratitude

There is power in recognizing what we have and what God has done for us in the past. It is so important that we keep our eyes fixed on God’s perspective so that we do not miss what he has putright in front of us by worrying about other things.

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Phillipeans 4:8

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change” – Dr. Wayne Dyer

3. Live with eternity in mind

In addition to acknowledging that God is in control and having gratitude, we must also live with eternity in mind. The main ways to live with eternity in mind are regularly reading the word of God, asking for the holy spirit’s help, and loving others. If you are obeying God’s main commandments by loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself, there is no need to worry. God will take care of you. When we do God’s will and obey God’s word, he takes care of us in return.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. What is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4: 17-18

Ways to love others

1. Find ways to GIVE
2. Connect with a family of God
3. If you are already plugged into a family of God, Plug in deeper by performing acts of service and joining an e-group.

We must live with eternity in mind. When we don’t understand where we are, we should ask, “What does God want me to learn through this?” If you put God in control and you are where you are right now, there is a reason for it. We need to ask God to reveal to us what that is and trust him.

We challenge you to make a list of things that you are grateful for. Every day, for 30 days, read aloud the list. After the 30 days, record the changes that have occurred.

For more ways to help with anxiety in times of uncertainty, Check out the Compass North Church sermon Series, Fearless