A View From the Top

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him (Jesus) because he cares for you.

"Caaarrrrrry mmeeee, ppuuuleeeasssee," whined Hannah and Hayleigh. We had been at Disney World all day and although they had been super troupers, their tank of energy had fizzled to more of a drizzle. Scott and I capitulated to their pleas and up on our shoulders they went. As they settled into their new perches, they realized they now had an entirely different perspective of the park. Their energy was renewed as they surveyed rides, people and stores from a vantage point as if each sight was brand new.


This morning I am reading 2 Peter 1. In this chapter, Peter presents a list of qualities that lead to a productive Christian life: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love. He then uses both the evidence of his eye-witness testimony and that of the Old Testament prophets to encourage his readers to strengthen their faith in Christ. As this passage closes, he describes the prophets with these words, "they were carried along by the Holy Spirit". (Verse 21)

The prophets in the Old Testament were ridiculed, ostracized and criticized. Yet in each of these moments they were carried by the Holy Spirit. This reminded me of the old poem about a Christian's life being represented by footprints on the sand. Many times there are two sets of footprints but in life's most daunting moments only one appear, because through those seasons Jesus carried His beloved.

Falling into the arms of Christ is a far better option than the many other places I might otherwise fall when life gets tricky. Sitting squarely upon the shoulders of Christ, He is able to change my vantage point in three distinct areas of my being:

1. Abundant Grace and Peace or Emotional Well-Being (Verse 2) - The more intimately we come to know Jesus, the more He pours out His grace and peace into our hearts. Resting on Jesus, I see my circumstances from His perspective and my anxiety and stress is exchanged for His grace and peace.
2. Provision or Physical Well-Being (Verse 3) - Jesus gives us "everything we need for life". He takes care of each need-even things we may not fully recognize that we desire. When I put the full weight of my want on His shoulders, I see the insignificance of my demands in light of His vast ability to meet my needs.
3. His Promises or Spiritual Well-Being (Verses 3-4) - Jesus also gives us "everything we need for godliness". He does that through the fulfillment of His "great and precious promises" - promises of forgiveness, redemption and hope both now and for eternity. Seated on the shoulders of my Savior, I have an unobstructed view of His great mercy that frees me from the weight of my spiritual depravity.

Jesus, thank you for carrying me through the power of the Holy Spirit. When I am nestled securely in your arms, I see my life from Your perfect perspective. When I choose to walk not on my own but in your tender care, You renew every part of me - emotional, physical and spiritual. I find I am no longer weary from my long journey through this amusement part called life. Instead, I see life as You intended...and the view is spectacular.