Need A Better Perspective?

When life gets confusing or unsettled, we need a better perspective on our situation. Advice from friends, family, or online resources may help, but there’s the possibility that we wouldn’t be drawn closer to God.

The best source to seek a better perspective is through reading God’s Word. The Bible is a gift to us that can draw us closer to God.

When I’m troubled with a burdened heart, I know time spent reading the Word improve my mindset and mood. My attention will shift from the problem to the Lord.

Unfortunately, I don’t turn to God’s Word immediately although I know this should be my first response. My heart wanders into self-pity or my mind considers other sources of guidance. All of them are shallow; none draw me closer to God.

The Lord recalls the benefits of time with Him meditating on scripture. When I respond to God’s nudge to seek Him in the Word, I draw closer to Him.

Psalm 119 teaches the benefits of God’s word.

Psalm 119 contains the hope of a better perspective through God’s Word.

When desiring a better perspective, remember to seek the Lord.

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. Psalm 119:2 NIV

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 NIV

Seeking involves the diligent actions of study and application. I might know God’s statutes, but if I don’t turn toward the Word and apply the principles, they are empty knowledge. My perspective won’t change if the words of scripture do not transform my thinking. The Word leads me to seek God and rely on Him more, changing my heart and drawing me closer to Him.

Meditating on God’s Word leads to a better perspective, requiring interaction with the scripture and pondering it, chewing on its words and digesting the truth. Psalm 119 contains eight verses that point the reader to meditate on the Word, which is more intentional than merely reading it. Here is a sampling of those verses.

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119: 15 NIV

Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27

There are benefits of seeking and meditating on God’s Word for a better perspective.

The Psalmist uses the phrase “preserve my life” eleven times in Psalm 119 as a benefit of pursuing the promises of scripture. “Preserve” implies to refresh and refresh. When I feel discouraged, I know that God’s Word will restore hope.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:37 NIV

I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Psalm 119:93 NIV

Another benefit of meditating on the Word is that it strengthens the heart, restoring hope and perspective.

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:28 NIV

The words of scripture are life-giving and empowering for a better perspective.

Throughout Psalm 119, the Psalmist reveals how we can gain a better perspective through God’s word. Seeking the Lord and  meditating on the Word we draw closer to Him, regaining hope, perspective, refreshment and strength.

Will you find time to meditate on the words of Psalm 119 and draw closer to the Lord? Share your insight in the comments.