Living in Increase (Part 11) - Increase in JoyNäide

Week 2: Perspective

A Heavenly Perspective

This week is all about having the proper perspective. Perspective is necessary for increasing joy because you can always find joy when you have the right perspective. Paul writes in Colossians 3 and reminds us to “set [our] sights on the realities of heaven.” Having a heavenly perspective means we focus on the reality of heaven. What is the reality of heaven?

Well, Jesus is seated in the place of honor at God’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3). He is interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34). He’s not pacing in angst or on the edge of His seat with nerves. God is in charge. He is ruling His Kingdom.

When we think about what’s going on in heaven right now, it takes away the anxiety and fear we feel on Earth. While, yes, those are real emotions caused by things troubling us, those things do not exist in heaven. Heaven is filled with joy, peace, love, and hope. And according to the Bible, heaven is our home! This means that no matter what happens on Earth, we can always have a heavenly perspective. When we have a heavenly perspective, we are reminded of heaven’s perfection and encouraged that one day, we will be able to experience it for ourselves.

Emily N. Green

Action Step: Make a conscious effort to think about heaven today. When things go poorly (or when things are going great!), think about heaven. Think about Jesus seated at the right hand of God. Think about how God is in control.