Get a new persective

Sometimes the issues we face in life can feel overwhelming and we can feel trapped. Do you ever wonder how you could see things differently?

An art critic studying a painting by a famous artist couldn’t understand why the proportions of the picture were wrong, the hills in the background seemed exaggerated and the kneeling figures looked awkward. It suddenly occurred to him that the problem might be him. What if the painting had never been intended to be hung in a gallery but a place of prayer? Self-consciously he dropped to his knees in public. He suddenly saw a perfectly proportioned work of art. It was not the perspective of the painting that had been wrong it was the way he was looking at it. It didn’t make sense until he was on his knees in prayer.

We are all influenced by our culture from a young age to think a certain way about what is important in life and where our hope comes from. God has a plan for us and wants us to live differently. I often meet people who want to escape unhappy lives: relationships, unsatisfying jobs, feeling bad about themselves. The Bible was written for people like us to help us see our lives are in the hands of caring God, watching over us.

Be inspired, read about how God helps people like Nehemiah. Travel back to 450BC where under pressure, surrounded by negative voices on all sides, Nehemiah does not despair, but prays in faith. Amazingly God brings help from an unexpected source. Could God do the same for you? Whatever your circumstances, reading the Bible will give a new perspective. Your local church could help, or if your mood is low, the Association of Christian Counsellors (www.acc.uk.org). See life issue videos at www.lifeofhope.co.uk.