Hindsight is twenty-twenty. Height also has the potential to change perspective.
I sat on the jagged summit of Tray Mountain in northern Georgia, United States. Three-hundred-sixty-degree views are normally enjoyed from this peak … but weren’t on this day. Cool winds of winter had settled in, along with clouds from a stubborn cold front. What should have afforded me panoramic views beyond description now only delivered clouds, wind, and a brief view of what might have been.
Height usually delivers a distinctive angle. It did for Moses. As long as he stood on the mountain with his arms held high, the Israelites won the battle against their enemies. When his arms grew tired and threatened to languish at his side, his brother and a close friend held them up. From his vantage point, Moses witnessed a victory.
Normally, God’s perspective varies from mine. He’s like a Moses on the mountain while I’m more akin to a Joshua fighting in the valley. I suppose as Joshua and the Israelite army fought the long hard battle, they looked up to the mountain and saw Moses’ raised arms and gained hope for victory. When I take on the mind of Christ by purposefully aligning my plans and goals with His, I, too, can count on victory. Mountain perspective takes into account the valleys but isn’t destroyed emotionally by them.
Perspective affects my actions and emotions. The Israelites could have given up or fought unskillfully. Seeing Moses spurred them on. Knowing that God sees the sunshine above the clouds I may be currently viewing, brings happiness, contentment, and a measure of peace. These, in turn, prompt me to keep on keeping on.
Viewing life from God’s perspective rather than my own gives me hope. God’s guidance is trustworthy because His love is unconditional. There will be times when it appears I might be losing. In those periods, I look to the mountain and remember no weapon formed against me shall prosper.
What perspective do you have on life?
Prayer: God of power, we look to You for the correct perspective on our lives.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and anitapeppers.)
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Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood, SC, and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, pastor, and author. He serves as Managing Editor for both Christian Devotions and Vinewords.net and is an instructor for the Christian PEN (professional editor’s network). Wiles is a multi-published author. His most recent book, Hurt, Hope and Healing: 52 Devotions That Will Lead to Spiritual Health, is available on Amazon. He and his wife are parents of two and grandparents of seven. He can be contacted at [email protected].