Perspective in Suffering

Philippians 4:8-9

Have you ever arrived at the other side of a bad situation only to realize that your attitude made the situation seem far worse than it actually was? Sometimes our attitude makes a molehill seem like a mountain, but other times it makes a mountain bigger than God. Life is filled with problems, but how we think and what we think about are very important in keeping a proper perspective. The Apostle Paul tells us how to do this in today's passage.

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Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

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Jeremiah said, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Solomon, thinking along the same lines said, "Keep (Guard) you heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). In other words, we lead our heart; we do not follow our heart. Paul had this idea in mind when he wrote these verses. If we are to lead our hearts, we must be intentional in what we think about.

True - Jesus said I am...the truth. We must think on things that are in agreement with His word

Honest - Honorable, revered,

Just - Righteous, upright, virtuous

Pure - sacred, holy, chaste

Lovely - acceptable or pleasing; especially to God

Good Report - Good words that build up and encourage

Virtue - Moral goodness, purity

Praise - Commendation or laudation; especially of God

When we think about these things during our times of trouble, we will keep a proper perspective of our problems and we will keep a proper perspective of God. When our perspective is right, it will be much easier to lead, testify, and sing during our times of suffering. Then, we will be able to say like David, "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee" (Psalm 51:13).

Father, help me to keep a proper perspective during my times of suffering. May I always see you bigger than my problems. Help me to think on the good things of this life so that others see my faith in you, my hope in you, and my trust in you.