Terry Devitt writes...

In his book What Did You Expect, a wonderful resource to understand marriage from God’s perspective, Paul Tripp makes this statement: “Hopelessness is way of seeing, not a state of being.” Stop and think about that statement again, and try to restate his point in your own words.

We always “see” the situations we face in life, based on how we think. More specifically, we interpret our situations based on what we think to be true at that moment. Sometimes, the interpretations we make about those circumstances are shown by responses such as fear, worry, envy, loneliness, anger, self-pity, hopelessness and the like. That way of “seeing” is condemned by Scripture (some of these responses may not be sinful – for example, fear of God and righteous anger are commanded and commended!). Why are these responses sinful? Because our “seeing” is not filtered through or informed by the Word of God. More plainly, they are condemned because they are based in unbelief.

But God always gives the way of escape from “seeing” wrongly. The way out of sinful fear is faith in God (e.g., Ps. 56:3-4) and love of God (e.g., 1 John 4:18). The way out of hopelessness is faith in God’s promises (e.g., Rom 15:13). The way out of loneliness is to know that He is with us, and will never leave us or forsake us (e.g., Heb. 13:5). No wonder Jesus is called our great God and Savior. He not only saves us from the penalty of sin; He saves us from actual sin (Tit. 2:13-14). He changes (i.e., sanctifies) how we “see”, so that we see the way He knows is best. He reminds us to take our thoughts captive to His truth and promises.

How do you typically “see” your situations? If you know Jesus as Savior, He will help you see with new eyes: His!