Widen the lens

In the camera I saw just a slice of the panorama in front of me – until I realized the lens was zoomed in too tightly. When I pulled back the zoom, the picture I wanted appeared. Sometimes the same thing happens to my perspective on life. I get so tightly focused on one particular issue that I fail to see the whole picture. The one person who dislikes me comes into view, obscuring hundreds of friends. The one situation that confounds my understanding blocks my memory of my amazingly wonderful life; the blessing of my God. How the Tempter must rejoice when he finds us focused on our failures, disappointments, or sins to the exclusion of the faithfulness of our Savior and Friend.

The Word urges "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2, NIV) An old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them; one by one!” Do it, disciple. The Psalm continues by saying, "He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence." (Psalm 103:3-5, The Message) In genuine praise, we find our soul lifted, our footing restored. "The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19, NLT)

The Lord does not ask us to deny reality, to live in a Pollyanna world that pretends all is well, all the time. He does ask us to remember ALL, to bring to our minds His faithfulness, His love, His promises right alongside of the sorrows and challenges. As surely as we weep, we will laugh, if we widen the lens.

Following is an old gospel song that urges us to live in “Beulah Land,” a metaphor for the Promised Land. (Yes, I suppose you need to be over 50 and to have grown up in church to be able to hum the tune, but the lyrics are timeless.)

Far away the noise of strife
upon my ear is falling.
Then, I know the sins of earth
beset on ev'ry hand.
Doubt and fear and things of earth
in vain to me are calling.
None of these shall move me
from Beulah Land!

Viewing here the works of God,
I sink in contemplation.
Hearing now His blessed voice,
I see the way He planned.
Dwelling in the Spirit,
here I learn of full salvation.
Gladly will I tarry in Beulah Land!

I'm living on the mountain,
underneath a cloudless sky!
I'm drinking at the fountain
that never shall run dry!
O yes, I'm feasting on the manna
from a bountiful supply!
For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

C. Austin Miles- Public domain

Today, balance complaint with thanksgiving, criticism with encouragement, petition with profuse praise. Do it consciously as you walk with Jesus and let His Spirit “renew your youth… surefooted as a deer!"