For the past couple of years, I’ve been battling daily headaches, a quiet yet relentless discomfort that shaped my days. Migraines would occasionally crash into my plans, but most of the time, it was just a persistent ache—tension in my forehead, strain in my eyes, and a low hum of pain that never really left.
I tried everything I could think of: adjusting my diet, getting more sleep, and cutting back on screen time. But no matter what I did, the headaches remained. It was discouraging and disheartening, impacting not just my body but my spirit.
Then came a breakthrough.
During my eye exam this week, the optometrist (yes, I googled that to remind myself what an eye doctor was called) told me something surprising: my glasses prescription was too strong. My lenses were forcing my eyes to work harder than they should, leading to the very symptoms I’d been experiencing. Suddenly, the pieces fell into place.
For years, I had been filtering the world through a lens that wasn’t right for me. And the consequences weren’t just physical—this misalignment affected how I showed up in my relationships, my work, and even my faith.
As I reflected on this, I realized how much this mirrors our spiritual lives. How often do we go through life looking through a distorted lens? Maybe it’s the lens of shame, doubt, or pride. Maybe it’s a lens shaped by past experiences or the pressures of the world. Whatever it is, when our perspective is misaligned with God’s truth, we end up strained, burdened, and weary.
The Spiritual Lens of Jesus
The Bible speaks often about the importance of seeing clearly, both physically and spiritually. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word is the ultimate lens, helping us see ourselves, others, and the world through His truth. Without it, we’re prone to stumbling, misinterpreting situations, or carrying burdens that aren’t ours to bear.
Jesus Himself spoke about perspective in Matthew 6:22-23:
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.”
When our “eyes” (our perspective) are aligned with Jesus, we experience clarity, peace, and purpose. But when our vision is clouded by sin or distraction, we struggle to see the path God has laid before us.
Three Practical Steps to Align Our Spiritual Lenses
- Seek Regular “Checkups” in God’s Word
Just as I hadn’t updated my prescription in years, many of us neglect to evaluate our spiritual perspectives. The Bible calls us to self-reflection:
2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
Spend time in Scripture and prayer, asking God to reveal areas where your perspective might be misaligned with His truth.
2. Adjust with Grace
When I learned my prescription was wrong, it didn’t mean my old glasses were useless—it just meant they needed to be replaced. Similarly, God doesn’t condemn us for our past mistakes or missteps. Instead, He gently calls us to realign with His ways:
Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Be patient with yourself as you allow God to adjust your focus.
3. Live in Alignment
A correct prescription doesn’t just help you see clearly—it empowers you to navigate life with confidence and clarity. When we align our perspective with Jesus, we’re called to live it out:
James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Whether it’s serving others, sharing your faith, or letting go of old burdens, take practical steps to live out the clarity God has given you.
Conclusion: Seeing as Jesus Sees
This experience with my prescription reminded me of an essential truth: life is clearer, lighter, and more joyful when we see through the lens of Jesus. His Word is our guide, His Spirit our strength, and His love the foundation for how we view ourselves and others.
So, as I wait for my new glasses, I’m committing to another kind of clarity—one that comes from aligning my heart and mind with Christ. I’m praying the same for you: that you would see yourself, your struggles, and your calling through the perfect lens of God’s truth.
Let’s ask ourselves: What lens am I seeing the world through today? And how can I let God adjust my focus to better reflect His perspective?