Tag: God’s perspective

Precious to Him

Photo by Jonny Lew from Pexels
Photo by Jonny Lew from Pexels

For reflection: Isaiah 43:1–7.

‘you are precious and honoured in my sight’ (v4)

It’s time to pause and remember just how precious you are to God. Many scriptures speak of His great love for us, but one that I come back to time and time again is Isaiah 43. In moments of stress, fear and weariness it is wonderful to be able to read in God’s word: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine’ (v1). That works on my soul like a soothing balm.

I know it is important not to take verses out of context, and this chapter was written to Israel while captive in Babylon to reassure them of His restoration. However, God’s word is ‘alive and active’ (Hebrews 4:12) and has much to say to us corporately and individually today.

We are in a time of restriction – and of great fear. There is so much death and destruction all around us, and many of us are feeling worn out. There are concerns about the future, how long it will be before we can meet with family and friends again – and how many more will be affected by Covid-19. How reassuring to be reminded that, even in the midst of all these difficulties, our God is with us: ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you’ (v2). Although our circumstances are hard right now, it is so important to focus on God and His presence with us.

Speaking truth to ourselves is so important – particularly in these days. It shifts our gaze and changes our perspective. There is no better place to find truth than in the Bible, so set aside time over the next few days to look up Bible verses that speak to you about how much God loves you. You might find it helpful to write them out and post them around your house, and pick a few to memorise over the coming days. Here’s one more to get you started, which you could use as a prayer: ‘keep me as the apple of your eye’ (Psa. 17:8). 

Changing our perspective

I had a dream last night. The details are fuzzy but it took place at a book launch. I was listening in to two women’s perspectives on the food being laid on. One wanted to make more sandwiches. The other said it would be a complete waste of food and there was no point cutting any more loaves. The first thought that the food could go to someone who needs it if it wasn’t all eaten at the launch. While she was frustrated inside, she relented and left the loaves alone…

A little later I was lying awake listening to my husband snoring. For me, after we’d both woken up at 5am, the sound of his snoring was intensely irritating. However, I didn’t dare move him to try and stop the snoring as I knew that he’d had night after night of waking around 4 or 5am and then not being able to get back to sleep. So, although I was desperate for more sleep, and everything in me was fighting the urge, I was trying to see things from my husband’s perspective and leave him in peace.

The Easter holiday was another test of me seeing things from others’ perspectives. It was also a time to try and teach my children to do the same. After a fraught last (half-term) holiday, in which I juggled too much work with trying to spend time with the kids, I had made the decision not to work as much in the Easter holiday.

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