“Perception is reality,” a wise political strategist once said. That observation is not only true for politics; I see it in my counseling office when a client is facing challenging life issues: how they perceive their circumstances, that perception, is their truth. This is certainly true for me, too. Perception is reality. And yet…our perception can be flawed, incomplete, and ultimately inaccurate. In these most uncertain days we live in, I believe this is a struggle we all face.
How do we correct a flawed perspective? As believers, we can access God’s wisdom, power, and presence in our lives. James 1:8 reminds us “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Our Heavenly Father invites us to draw near to Him through prayer, meditation on His word, and worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. His presence can change our perspective.
Friends, our circumstances this side of Heaven may not change in the way we would like. A dramatic example of a righteous perspective in challenging circumstances is found in Philippians chapter 4. The Apostle Paul, who is literally in chains in a prison, writes “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. THE LORD IS NEAR”. Hmmmm…. how can Paul even consider “rejoicing” while suffering in prison? These are truly challenging circumstances. But his perception is shaped by the spiritual truth “The Lord is near.”
What difficult circumstance are you facing today? Consider this truth:
COVID…The Lord is near
Racial tension…The Lord is near
Relational stress…The Lord is near
Financial distress…The Lord is near
Political division…The Lord is near
Your personal circumstances…The Lord is near
Perception is reality, friends. How we perceive our circumstances becomes our truth. Like me, you may need to re-adjust your perspective from time to time. Let’s remember “The Lord is near!” When we perceive rightly, we receive the promise of God found in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Glynnis Shryock, LCPC, Executive Director Living Hope Counseling Center
