5 Ways to Shift Your Perspective

I have a love/hate relationship with flying. First, I’m constantly amazed by the science and technology that lifts a giant, heavy piece of metal thousands of feet in the air with hundreds of people on board. I’m also in awe of waking up in one city and going to bed in another when it would be impossible to do so through any other mode of transportation. That’s incredible!

My thoughts snowball if I overthink about the giant, heavy piece of metal being suspended mid-air.

Do we have enough fuel?

Can our pilot navigate through turbulence?

Would I break the rules and turn on my phone to text my husband if we had a mid-air emergency?

How many steps will it take me to get to the emergency exit? (Yes, I’m that person)

But the worst moment of flying for me is being suspended in a cloud. I know we’re flying – I can hear the engine's roar, see condensation on my window, and feel it in my stomach. Yet something is disconcerting when you can’t see where you’re going.

I usually pray through those moments. “Lord, please help us climb just above the clouds.”

When our plane ascends, and I see the clear break between the clouds and the sky, I sigh of relief. As the plane reaches its cruising altitude, I settle in to read, watch a movie, or work on a project.

The funny thing is, nothing changed about my situation.

The risk is the same.

The transportation is the same.

Our pilot is the same.

The number of people on board and our fuel level is the same.

So what changed? My perspective.

For me, seeing is important to my peace. Not only is this true in an airplane, but in other life moments. My perspective often determines the direction of my day. Here are a few ways I’ve learned to shift my perspective to maintain my peace.

1.    Read God’s Word. When your perspective is preloaded with the Word of God, lies lose their power over you.

2.    Memorize scripture. When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, we can apply it as we go about our day.

3.    Talk to a wise friend. Proverbs 27:9 says, “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”

4.    Sing. Whether in your heart or out loud, praising God through music delights His heart and attunes us to His presence.

There are other, perhaps more practical, ways to shift your perspective, too. I’m a big fan of long walks, playing a sport, or engaging in a hobby that brings you joy.

As a Christian, knowing Christ brings perspective to life. The Apostle Paul tells us to “Set our minds on things above, not on things on earth” (Col 3:17). When we get bogged down with troubles, concerns, and struggles, it’s like we’re living in a cloud. Focusing on Christ and all He’s done for us lifts our minds just above the clouds.

He brings life, peace, and a godly perspective we can’t find elsewhere.