The Lens of Hopelessness
(5 minutes)
"The lens of hopelessness will affect everything we do, whether we know it or not. It is why it's so important that we have our hearts healed. Because it will taint everything we see, even the things of God, if we're not careful." (Pastor Tim)
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:1-2 NKJV)
I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest. (John 15:1-2 TPT)
Do you see the difference in these two translations? Answer this: what Father would you rather have? One who throws you away for not bearing fruit? Or one who gives you extra attention and care when you're struggling?
So why do we have one scripture with two different lens of the Father?
"They didn't deliberately set out to do this. But when you have lens of hopelessness you see God the way you see Him in your life. How can this be so different? It's the same original language! Because it matters who's looking at the language." (Pastor Tim)
When you have a lens of hopelessness, you can even twist the scriptures and end up with a Father that nobody would want. Hopelessness darkens your perspective, even your perspective of God. And if a person with a lens of hopelessness translates John 15:1-2, all they will see is an angry, distant Father who throws you away when you can't keep up. But give that same scripture to a man or woman that knows how deeply loved they are by Abba, and you get a more accurate picture of the Father because they have a lens of hope, and they've come to know Abba's true nature through intimacy.
"You can have the God you want to have, and your life proves it. Keep having your vision of God. Keep having the God you can't even call "Abba." Keep seeing the Father the way you see Him. Keep thinking that what He really wants to do is use you." (Pastor Tim)
Abba doesn't want to use you. Abba wants to be in union with you!
Here's an example of how this plays out: there are people in the hospital right now dealing with serious illness and disease. Some of them think they're there because God has thrown them out and this is the punishment for their fruitless lives. Others know how deeply loved they are by Abba and that He's walking hand-in-hand with them through every moment, because He doesn't do abandonment.
Does the Father throw you out when you can't keep up or does the Father never leave you or forsake you? Which is it? What lens are you looking through to see Him, hope or hopelessness?
Beloved One, hope is being restored in you. Allow it to go deep and undo all the distorted perspectives you have had of the Father. He's not the angry, dark, distant Father that religion painted Him to be. He is delighting in you. He's good. And when you're struggling He comes even closer and gives you special attention. That's what good fathers do! Let His goodness lead you out of hopelessness today.
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Worship: "Beauty for Ashes" by UPPERROOM
Honor: Give Online to The Wilderness Place
Share With Us: We would love to hear how you're encountering Abba in your daily walks. Don't hesitate to share what you're hearing, seeing, or sensing in His presence. Email us here!
