Rose-Colored Glasses in a Fallen World

By: Jenny Hinners

Thursday, June 26, 2025

… Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. – Philippians 4:8 (NASB)

When I read this verse, I feel the admonition to put on rose-colored glasses – to view things through God’s eyes. The Lord's eyes see beauty and redemptive value in every person and circumstance, so to “dwell on these things,” we must first attempt to see things the way God does. On the other hand, the world’s glasses usually twist the truth and deny hardship for the sake of optimism – this approach is not Scriptural.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses.... – Hebrews 4:15

When Lazarus died, Jesus visited Mary and Martha who were grieving. How did Jesus respond? He wept (John 11:35). He also gave them hope God would resurrect Lazarus from the dead.

How do we see through God’s "rose-colored" lenses?

1) Identify where are you experiencing the greatest grief, pain, hardship, or angst.

2) Take this “top pain point” to Jesus. Come as you are, and bring those raw emotions to God. Jesus will embrace you, weep with you, and fight for you if you'll bring Him your sincere heart.

3) Ask God to give you His rose-colored glasses: “Lord, show me the beauty around, alongside, or within this pain point of mine. What would you have me see differently here God?”

4) Then listen for His insights through the many ways He speaks – always ensuring it agrees with Scripture. You can start by listing what is honorable, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy about your pain point.

Is your biggest pain point about yourself? Then read the scriptures about your true identity as God's royal child. Do world events or life's circumstances distress you? Then ask God to show you His hand and goodness in these circumstances, and cling to the truth that He has a perfect plan for your future (Jeremiah 29:11).

...the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3-4

Maybe God will shows you some “flowers” along the muddy path you’re on. Remember, God sees and offers redemptive value in everything we experience, and this includes our trials. Our miraculous, Red-Sea-parting God of all hope is constantly working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

God is faithful to honor His promises. He will give us the help and wisdom we need to overcome our biggest trials if we'll ask.