When reading a fiction or non-fiction book, readers see and experience the events and feelings about the characters through a certain point of view, which is called a perspective. A perspective is a literary tool, which serves as a lens through which readers observe other characters, events, and happenings.
Years ago my wife posted a sign next to the front door of our home that reads “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” It’s a great conversation starter for visitors to the house, but if I asked you if you believe that to be true, what would your answer be? May I suggest your answer to that question may very well depend on your perspective—or, in other words, through the lens you are viewing the characters, events, and happenings in your life.
As Christians, the lens of Scripture should always be what we use to view every single thing that happens in our lives. And in Scripture, the greatest story ever told is the story of redemption. In literature, the mode of narration that an author employs to let the readers “hear,” “see,” and “feel” what takes place in a story is called point of view. God Himself has narrated the great story of redemption, so as redeemed people we should “hear” the great news of salvation (Luke 1:9; Romans 10:8-9), we should “see” with eyes of faith the future He has set for us (1 Corinthians 2:9; Jeremiah 29:11), and we should “feel” the love He has showered on us in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). If we are viewing the whole of our lives through those lenses and with that perspective, how can we not live with a thanks-living attitude every day!
We do not have to wait, as the world does, for one month out of the year to starting thinking about what we have to be thankful for. For the redeemed, our perspective is gained from God’s Word. There really is always, always, always something to be thankful for…the Lord’s lovingkindness never ceases and His compassions never fail. They are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22).