Embracing a Different Perspective

As a woman I find myself many times drifting towards perceptions even when I know truth. You may have heard it said, "People's perception is their reality". Well, "What is my perception about who I am as a woman of God....daughter of the King"? Is my perception based on the truth of God's Word or based on lies of the enemy. The adversary doesn't want me to embrace the truths in God's Word and embrace freedom in Him. Jesus gladly peels off the scarlet letters that have been pinned all over us. Nothing's too hard for Him. There is no past He can't restore, no lie He can't erase, and no offense He can't make right. He takes the stones that have injured us and turns them into jewels fit for a crown.

Psalm 27:1 -"The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"

I can drift toward the perception of who I am or even what I think others think of me when that becomes my focus instead of the truth. I then take things personally & react defensively.

Think of it this way - We as women, at one time or another , have all done "shadowboxing". In other words, we percieve what we think someone else may be thinking, and in anger we react to that perception. In our minds we get mad, react, and then defend ourselves. And then, based on little or no factual information, we soon find ourselves swinging at the air because of a percieved conflict with an opponent who is totally unaware of their offense or our feelings.

2 Corinthians 10:5 - "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

NLT - "We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ."

Our reaction to this perception can be based on our past, our pride, the need to be right & even the desire to be percieved perfect. I am realizing that I can spend thousands of dollars trying to improve myself, and way too much energy trying to prove myself, when what I really need is to be purified.

1 John 3 -"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!..........Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure."

Matthew 5:8 -"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Thank you, Father, that you have forgiven me, You have redeemed me, and retored me! I refuse to buy into the world's perception of who I am. I will treasure and value what is true and lovely and worthy of praise. I release to you my own perceptions and help me to be quick to hear and slow to speak. Help me to relenquish the need to be right or wrong and to live and move and breath by your Holy presence. Help me to daily renew my mind in Your Word.