Our perception, the filter through which we “see” everything has a tremendous effect on our lives. I often tell people in counseling that we are affected much more by what we think about what happens to us than what actually happens to us. So how do you view the events of your life? What is your filter? Are you looking through the lens of Scripture or through the world’s lens? Are you seeing through the sovereignty of God or through a self-focused lens?

Today’s Readings:

Joshua 15 & 16
Psalm 45.1-5
Proverbs 14.4-5
Luke 11.29-54

Is Your Filter the Lens of Scripture or Something Else?

Luke 11.29-54:

A Problem of Perception

The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness (v. 34).

John MacArthur in his Daily Bible says, “The problem was their perception, not a lack of light.”

Our perception, the filter through which we “see” everything has a tremendous effect on our lives. As I said in the introduction, we are affected much more by what we “think about” what happens to us than what actually happens to us.

As believers and children of the Sovereign God of the Universe, we should filter everything through the lens of Scripture beginning with verses like Romans 8.28-29:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

What might that look like?

Which Lens?

When we’re tempted to compare ourselves to someone else financially, socially, or career-wise, do we view our circumstances through an it’s-not-fair lens and allow envy to get a foothold? Or do we trust our loving heavenly Father because we understand that He loves us and knows what’s best?

And when we are called to forgive – again – do we see through the lens of our own forgiveness by God and forgive graciously? Or do we hold a grudge, give the silent treatment, or hold out for proof the other person really means it? Do we view it through the lens of self and what we think is good for us or do we see it from God’s perspective?

What about trials and hardships? Can we see them through the lens of 1 Corinthians 10.13 and remember that God will give us the grace we need to respond without sinning? Can we “count it all joy” knowing that God is using them to grow us in faith and maturity (Jas. 1.2-5)? Or do we get anxious, fearful, or angry?

In short, do we weigh our values, examine our actions and emotions, and view our circumstances through the lens of Scripture?

Are you viewing life through the lens of Scripture? #bible #soulsurvival

Click To Tweet

If You’re Struggling Right Now

Even, as believers, we struggle at times. If that’s you, you might want to read a book like It’s Not Fair! by Wayne Mack or Trusting God by Jerry Bridges. Both of them can help you have a more biblical lens. And if you need help, don’t struggle alone. Call a pastor or other church leader. Call a Christian friend or loved one. Go to the Association of Biblical Counselors (ACBC) website. Look for a counselor in your area. And most important of all reach out to God. Pray. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Read your Bible if you don’t already do so regularly. If you’re struggling, you might start with the book of Philippians.

If you’re not sure of your relationship with God and you’re unfamiliar with the Bible, you might start with the book of John in the New Testament. You can also read this post and find out more about having a relationship with Him. And talk to a pastor or a Christian friend.

Today’s Other Readings:

Joshua 15 & 16:

Driving Out Our Enemy

In these chapters and the next few, the boundaries for each tribe’s territory were delineated. But notice verse 16.10:

And they did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day and have become forced laborers.

Another reminder to us that we can have things in our lives that God has told us to remove, but we believe “we have under control,” so we don’t completely “drive them out.” And just as the inhabitants of the land would later pull the Israelites down and lead them into sin and idolatry, so can those things that remain in our hearts and lives.

Psalm 45.1-5:

Our Wedding Song

These verses begin a song that most likely celebrated a royal wedding. We, too, can sing and rejoice for the upcoming “wedding of the Lamb” where we will be the “bride.”

Proverbs 14.4-5:

Truth & Lies

A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies (v. 5).

In the court system much depends on the truthfulness of the witnesses. But integrity is vital in all areas of life and in all relationships. Yet, too often, a person can be “bribed” by a desire for peace, being liked, or personal gain.

We can become “false witnesses” by telling people what they want to hear, instead of speaking the truth in love. Sometimes we do so to avoid conflict. Other times we do so to gain approval, get something we want, or to gain or keep the upper hand.

While lying, withholding the truth, and other forms of deception might bring some immediate relief or reward, they undermine our relationships with others, displease God, and run the risk of His discipline.

What About You?

Do you think about eternity? Do you yearn and get excited about being united with your Bridegroom?

Are you truthful to your own hurt? Or do you justify “little white lies” if the result seems more acceptable?

How do you view your life? What is your filter? Are you seeing with God’s lens or your own?

Coming Up:

In the coming days, we’ll talk about how our thinking affects our emotions, about Satan the accuser, cultural Christianity, and look at the question, “Should you force your religion on your children?”

I hope you’ll sign up so you don’t miss any of them.

If you would like to receive a FREE downloadable and printable Bible study through the book of Mark, you can click here for more information.

Blessings as you grow in Christ,
Donna ♥

Note about this post:

I began blogging through the Bible in 2012 and have done so every year since then. These posts are the product of many edits and additions throughout those years. Some days I make major changes, other days fewer.

A while ago, I read Jen Wilkin’s book None Like Him about the attributes of God. One is His incomprehensibility. In it, she says, “God is incomprehensible. This does not mean that he is unknowable, but that he is unable to be fully known.”

I have found that to be true each year as I’ve gone back through the Bible. Sometimes I find myself feeling as if a passage just appeared there for the first time. I’m reminded that no matter how many times we read through the Bible, we have only scratched the surface. I hope you feel the same.

Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways,
And how small a whisper we hear of Him!
But the thunder of His power who can understand?” (Job 26.14)