“[The Divine Equation] is critical to a life of joy. Joy comes from learning to live above your circumstances. You will either let your circumstances determine your perspective or let your perspective determine your circumstances. Those are your only two options. You can probably guess which one leads to greater joy.”- Chip Ingram
As Chip Ingram moves on in Chapter 1 of I Choose Joy, he underscores a key question everyone must answer. How can we develop the kind of perspective that transcends our circumstances? Above all, we need to answer this question not once, but daily. And even moment to moment!
But there’s no question as to whether or not we’ll experience tough circumstances. Certainly, we will. Hence, the issue involves how we deal with them. As a result, Chip developed a principle he calls The Divine Equation: Circumstance + Perspective = Experience. Furthermore, Chip defines the equation as follows:
“”Living above my circumstances occurs when my perspective interprets my circumstances rather than my circumstances determining my perspective.”
Of course, Pastor Ingram states, a formula never defines the Christian life. Yet. God provides guiding principles to profoundly influence the trajectory of our lives. And this principle reflects a rock-solid truth. In addition, Scripture clearly demonstrates this truth as a model for training our minds and hearts to see the truth as well as live it out.
In conclusion, Chip explains:
“What’s the difference? Why are some people filled with despair and bitterness while others are filled with joy — even when they’re going through similar situations? The answer is that equation. . . . Your circumstances plus your perspective determines your experience. The fundamental issue is how we can develop the kind of perspective that transcends our circumstances.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses most help you apply the Divine Equation to your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The lens of God’s goodness”