A Prayer for a Heavenly Perspective - Your Daily Prayer - October 20

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A Prayer for a Heavenly Perspective 
By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:1-2, NKJV).

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It doesn’t take long to realize that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter, and pretty much any other social media platform are a massive door to comparison. Your eyes begin to get fixated on earthly things instead of things of the Kingdom and God's plan for your life. This often negatively impacts your decision-making. Regarding material things, you are now spending money you don't have and are not just trying to "keep up with the Jones'" but everyone else in the entire world! People's lives are constantly on display, and it is a great temptation for us to become dissatisfied and unthankful for what God has given us. We become unhappy. Not only that, but we also aren’t happy for one another. "Everyone is getting married, having babies, getting an education, buying a house, getting a raise, a new job, a new car, pursuing their dreams, making connections to further their job/ministry, traveling, wearing the latest fashions, making more money, going on vacation, losing weight, AND WHY NOT ME?!” we think to ourselves. This type of mentality makes us question God’s goodness as we start to wonder if He is withholding things from us. 

You may know in your mind that God is good, but is it truly rooted in your heart and applied to your life? The struggle occurs when we fix our eyes on ourselves, and it becomes worse when we turn our attention to others and begin to compare or judge unrighteously. We begin to believe lies and draw conclusions about others, consumed by jealousy. James calls this type of thinking worldly and even demonic (James 3:15).

When our fixation is on the temporal, as believers, Paul tells us in Colossians that we need to look up:

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:1-2, NKJV).

Paul urges us to "put to death [our] members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walk when you lived in them" (Colossians 3:5-7, NKJV).

Did you catch that in verse 5? Covetousness is idolatry. When you covet, compare, and live in jealousy and envy over something that someone else is experiencing, you are worshiping what you don't have. Whether that is material things, a person, or a situation, that thing is now placed above God and God's plan for your life. You have made that thing, situation, person, or position an idol in your life. You become self-centered and too concerned about your life; You have put on “self glasses.”

“Self glasses” distort your vision and heart posture towards God and others. Practically, this means that God isn’t enough for you. These glasses also foster a victim mentality, where you compare and complain, leading to discontent. Before long, you will doubt God and begin to take control of your own life. Lifting our gaze upwards, as Colossians 3 tells us, shifts our perspective, and we begin to see how God is fully enough. This perspective shift helps us believe the truth about God’s sovereignty, about others, and about ourselves. 

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Help me keep my eyes on Jesus and Your word. Remind my heart to cling to You, abide in You so that I will remain full of Your love and nothing else can satisfy. I truly only want what You have for me because I trust that Your promises are more than enough. I know that eternal things are far greater than anything this world can offer. Please help me to trust You with all my heart and lean on Your understanding, not my own. I believe You will direct my path and will never lead us astray.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/ookawaphoto 

Emily Massey began writing short stories and poetry as a little girl, entered the blogging world in her early 20s, and published her first book in 2015. She enjoys being a stay-at-home momma while still being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Believing she has been forgiven much, she loves much, and desires to point others to Christ and His redemptive and transforming power, especially by sharing truth found in God’s written Word. If you would like to connect with Emily, you can visit www.emilyrosemassey.com

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