One of those secret dreams I have is to be able to capture a photo in the way the professionals do. Now I am aware this is pretty impossible with the camera I use and the time I put into it but the skill I would love to have is the skill of framing a good shot using the scenery. Apparently this sort of “framing” helps us focus on the scene in view by giving us a manageable vista to take in.
There is so much for us to take in as we live our lives. There is the constant background noise of what’s going on around the world in general. The noise of life is there whether it directly impacts our special sphere of interest or not. Each day of living there is often an overwhelming amount of activity (both good, bad and indifferent) for us to take on board and integrate into our lives. Sometimes it is so intense that we are paralysed by fear and uncertainty.
If the noisy picture of life is “framed” with a worldview that understands and follows the God of the Bible then this will help us focus in our busy lives.
Let me suggest four ways in which this will happen.
Firstly, to know that we are created by God in His image enables us to rejoice with Him when we see goodness and beauty. We have someone to thank. We are lifted out of ourselves. This fundamental truth means we must value ourselves and others whilst recognizing our accountability to God.
Secondly, to know that God lovingly sustains our universe brings great joy and comfort. Whether it be the sun that rises in the east, the kettle that boils at 100°C or the seeds that sprout we recognize both God’s generosity and our own dependence. Dependence creates humility and humility creates a willing service to others.
Thirdly, the fact that God can be trusted gives a framework that offers us hope even when our fellows fail us. He wonderfully keeps His Word. The coming, death and bodily resurrection of Jesus demonstrate His faithfulness.
Finally, to live life in the knowledge that Jesus will return as the righteous judge of all in order to usher in The New Heaven and Earth where there will be no war, sin, pain or death keeps us from despair.
So with this framework in place not only do we glimpse the big picture background of the world but we can see our own place in God’s plan and purpose. To know this goes a long way in helping us make sense of life in often confused and sad circumstances.