Perspectives (Part 2)

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the Lord and do good … Take delight in the Lord … Commit your way to the Lord …
(Psalm 37:1, 2, 3a ,4a, 5a) 

Although I love being out in the countryside, I also find it fascinating to wander around built up areas, like the City of London, with its huge variety of architecture. Buildings that are hundreds of years old sit right next to modern 21st century designs. There are magnificent churches, impressive facades, state-of-the art office blocks, hidden gardens, narrow alleyways and so much more. There always seems to be something new to discover, some previously unnoticed feature to spot for the first time. And in parts of the City it’s easy to feel very small when hemmed in by towering structures, both old and new.
 
Last September a new viewing platform opened in Bishopsgate - Horizon 22. Only slightly lower than the one in the Shard, it gives a wonderful 270 degree panoramic view across London. And rather than the close on £30 you need to pay to visit the Shard, Horizon 22 is free! My trip was on rather a cloudy day but the views were still stunning, and the perspective completely different from the one at street level.
 
Psalm 37 begins with three small but hugely important words … Do not fret … and repeats them twice more in its early verses. Fretting is to do with being worried, anxious, distressed, agitated, irritated. And daily life can certainly throw up plenty of things to fret about. Whether it’s close to home in the shape of things like poor health, broken relationships and financial insecurity, or more distant - but just as real - in the shape of things like war, famine and climate change, there is so much going on that can drag us down. We can easily feel hemmed in by towering issues. And we may think that David’s instruction not to fret is a bit simplistic as we face the often harsh realities of life.
 
But this isn’t the full picture by any means. There is also a very different perspective. As the Psalm unfolds, David reflects on the character of God. And He gradually recognises and remembers that, despite the many challenges He faces, he journeys with a God who loves Him dearly and walks alongside him as he navigates the complexities of life. It certainly doesn’t mean that life will necessarily be easy or trouble-free, but rather than feeling it’s a solo, unsupported trip, we can see it from the perspective of travelling full of hope with the creator of the world who cares deeply for us and wills the very best for us.
 
Prayer - Thank you, Lord, that by your Holy Spirit you live in us to guide, strengthen, equip and encourage us. Help us increasingly to learn to see ourselves and your world as you see them, and to live confidently in the knowledge of your constant and unfailing love for us. Amen