How to Keep the Big Picture in Mind

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Have you ever had a time when you got caught up in the minutia of life? I certainly have! When I first moved from Maryland to West Virginia, I found that adjusting to my new location was a lot harder than expected. Once again, I found myself engulfed in a sea of overwhelming emotions.

The Lord showed me that I had lost perspective. I needed to zoom out and relook at the big picture. As the proverbial saying goes: I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. I was allowing the details to interfere with the view of my Master’s overall plan.

Perspective is everything. Keeping the big picture in mind is vital. When caught up in the details, we need to just stop and zoom out, reminding ourselves that God has a purpose—a good one (Rom 8:28). Zooming out helps us to see His bigger purpose.

I’m not saying we should never look at the details. If you’ve read my blogs, you know how important it is to look at the specifics. But when those details start to overtake you—it’s time to take a step back.

If we only look through a telescope to see a few stars, we will miss the spectacular Milky Way!

woman looking at milky way with telescope

What is the big picture—the chief purpose of our existence? You know. It’s to bring glory and honor to God (Eccl 12:13, Is 43:7). And what brings Him glory?

• Redeeming souls from hell
• Living a godly life
• Becoming more like Jesus (Rom 8:29)
• Staying dependent upon God
• Praising and thanking God in all things
• Growing in intimacy with God
• Producing eternal fruit
• Obeying the 2 greatest commandments of loving God and others (Mat 22:37-39)

I’m sure you could add more.

I need help in keeping the big picture in mind. How about you? Below are some things that I have found helpful.

• Keep God first in everything
• Journal
• Go down memory lane with God; i.e recounting how God has been faithful in the past
• Read the entire Bible to see God’s overall history (It’s His Story)
• Believe specific biblical truths like Romans 8:28 and 29 (not taking promises out of context is a biggie)
• Put any view-distorting feelings on the altar (Rom 12:1-2)
• Live by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7)
• Don’t isolate yourself—call a friend, do something for someone else
• Know and remember your specific God-given purpose here on earth
God uses difficulties to teach, equip, and enable us to accomplish His specific plan for us. For me, it is essential that I remember that He gave me an extra portion of emotions so that I could help others deal with their emotions.

And last but not least:

• Stay sensitive and submissive to the Lord’s leading

The Lord is well aware when we begin to get off track, even by the tiniest degree. And He will tell us with the loving conviction of the Holy Spirit when we are. I truly am grateful for the Holy Spirit’s “nudges.”

So my friends, the next time you’re caught up in the minutia, remember that this life is not about you but about bringing glory to God. Remember Jesus—who kept the big picture at the forefront of His mind, even on the cross.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb 12:2-3)