The Value of a True Reference Point for a Clear Perspective in Life
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Importance of a true perspective
I know God had His hand on my life long before I was aware of it. I look back and see His guidance and how He kept me from running my life into a ditch. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say the Lord rescued me out of the deep pit I wandered into as a young man.
Since then, I see the Lord’s hand in my life many, many times over the past several decades—His direction, correction, protection, and provision.
My wife and I encountered various difficulties and tragedies in life and ministry over the years. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, and yet it has. The Lord kept us afloat through many storms in our lives.
God proved Himself faithful over and over. We learned to be thankful in simple ways, even when we couldn’t see past some of those darker days. When we cried out for help, the Lord responded. Often in unexpected ways. This gave us a more clear perspective for our lives.
Perspective is valuable. It provides a visual context, whether it’s a mental or actual picture of something. We need a clear reference point to have an accurate perspective. If the reference point is false, it will distort our perspective. So, a true perspective needs a true reference point.
Life has its ups and downs, so having a good sense of perspective is important if you don’t want your life to be an emotional rollercoaster. In this psalm, we see David’s clear and sure perspective is based on his trust in the Lord.
Scripture
A psalm by David sung at the dedication of the temple.
I will honor you highly, O Lord, because you have pulled me out ⌊of the pit⌋ and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave. You called me back to life from among those who had gone into the pit. [vss 1-3]
Make music to praise the Lord, you faithful people who belong to him. Remember his holiness by giving thanks.
His anger lasts only a moment. His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may last for the night, but there is a song of joy in the morning. [vss 4-5]
When all was well with me, I said, “I will never be shaken.” O Lord, by your favor you have made my mountain stand firm.
When you hid your face, I was terrified. I will cry out to you, O Lord. I will plead to the Lord for mercy: “How will you profit if my blood is shed, if I go into the pit? Will the dust ⌊of my body⌋ give thanks to you? Will it tell about your truth?” [vss 6-9]
Hear, O Lord, and have pity on me! O Lord, be my helper!
You have changed my sobbing into dancing. You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy so that my soul may praise you with music and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. [vss 10-12]
(Psalm 30:1-12 GW) [Context– Psalm 30]
Reflections and Insights
King David experienced God’s great favor and kindness during his life. Not just when things were good, but in times of personal failure as well.
David understood God’s favor was based on his relationship of trust in God. He learned to trust God in times of great trial and testing.
Because he had these true reference points of experiencing God’s favor and protection in his life, David maintained a clear perspective. He knew he could trust God in all situations and circumstances.
When David called out to God for help or in a time of repentance, he was confident the Lord would answer him. He knew what it was like to move from sorrow and despair into a time of joy and celebration because of God’s faithfulness.
We see this from David’s declarations in this psalm, especially in verses 4-5 and in the last two verses. This psalm gives us a wonderful guide for having our own true perspective in life—the Lord’s faithfulness.
Digging deeper to Make it personal...
Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions
What are three (3) things David is thankful for?
What is the encouragement given about anger, favor, weeping, and joy?
How would you describe the prayerful dialog between David and the Lord?
What great change did the Lord bring in David's life that he's thankful for?
Have you experienced God pulling you out of darkness into His light and life?
Do you take time and make time to thank the Lord for His faithfulness in your life?
How has the Lord restored you after a time of failure or testing?
Have you shared with others about God's gracious work in your life?
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