Choosing Perspective: Magnifying Faith Over Fear

Summary

Today’s focus is on the power of perspective and the necessity of choosing what we magnify in our lives. Just as a magnifying glass can focus the sun’s rays to ignite a fire, our attention and focus can either fuel our faith or our fears. Life is filled with circumstances that can easily overwhelm us—loss, disappointment, exhaustion, and even betrayal by those closest to us. Yet, the story of David at Ziklag in 1 Samuel 30 shows us a path forward: acknowledge the reality of loss, allow yourself to grieve, but refuse to let bitterness take root. Instead, choose to encourage and strengthen yourself in the Lord.

David’s example is instructive. When everything was taken from him and his own men turned against him, he didn’t look to others for encouragement. He didn’t rely on the faith of his parents, mentors, or friends. He encouraged himself in his God—his personal relationship and revelation. This is a crucial distinction: faith must be personal, not borrowed. When we face distress, we must draw strength from our own walk with God, not from someone else’s.

The way we think and what we choose to focus on shapes our reality. Scripture and even simple analogies—like the “happy place” from a movie or the dominant eye that determines our focus—remind us that our dominant emotion should be joy, rooted in the Lord. This isn’t denial of pain or loss, but a deliberate choice to magnify God’s faithfulness and promises above our circumstances. Magnifying the Lord means intentionally recalling His past faithfulness, His promises, and His power, letting those truths become larger in our vision than our problems.

Encouragement is not just a feeling; it’s an action. It involves speaking life, declaring God’s promises, and seeking His guidance for the next step. David didn’t just encourage himself—he inquired of the Lord for specific direction, and God answered with a rhema word, a timely, personal word for his situation. Receiving God’s guidance requires us to ask, listen, and then act. Recovery and restoration are not passive; they require persistent, faith-filled action, even when others fall away or circumstances seem unchanged. Like the eagle, not the ostrich, we are called to keep our vision high, protect what God has entrusted to us, and act on His word, trusting that He will bring about full recovery.

Key Takeaways

- Choose What You Magnify
Life will always present circumstances that can distract or discourage, but what we choose to focus on determines what grows in our hearts. Like a magnifying glass, our attention can either intensify our problems or ignite our faith. Deliberately magnifying God’s faithfulness and promises shifts our perspective and empowers us to move forward, even in the face of loss. [05:52]

- Encourage Yourself in Your God, Not Someone Else’s
True encouragement and strength come from a personal relationship with God, not from relying on the faith or revelation of others. David’s breakthrough came when he encouraged himself in the Lord—his God—not in the God of his parents, mentors, or friends. Faith must be personal and rooted in your own experience and revelation of God’s character. [13:27]

- Command Your Emotional State and Choose Joy
Our emotions are not meant to rule us; we are called to command them. Scripture teaches us to “think ourselves happy” and to choose the joy of the Lord as our dominant emotion. This is not about ignoring pain, but about making joy and hope the foundation from which we respond to life’s challenges. [19:21]

- Seek God’s Rhema Word for Your Situation
While the written Word (Logos) is always true and powerful, there are moments when we need a specific, timely word (Rhema) from God for our unique situation. David didn’t just rely on general promises; he inquired of the Lord and received clear direction. We must cultivate the habit of asking God for guidance and expect Him to answer, then act on what He says. [32:31]

- Persist in Action, Even When Others Fall Away
Restoration and recovery require more than encouragement and vision—they demand persistent action. David pursued God’s word even when others were too exhausted to continue. Our calling is not determined by the actions or opinions of others, but by the word God has given us. Stay faithful to what God has spoken, and trust Him for the outcome. [47:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Greeting the Congregation
[03:30] - The Power of Focus: Magnifying Glass Analogy
[05:52] - Choosing What to Magnify in Life
[07:30] - The Reality of Loss at Ziklag
[10:55] - Refusing Bitterness, Choosing Better
[13:27] - Encouraging Yourself in the Lord
[16:00] - Speaking Life and God’s Promises
[17:15] - Commanding Your Emotional State
[19:21] - Making Joy Your Dominant Emotion
[21:06] - What Do You Focus on Most?
[23:33] - Magnifying the Lord Above Circumstances
[26:47] - Worshiping in Spirit and Truth
[30:53] - Seeking Guidance and Vision
[32:31] - Receiving a Rhema Word from God
[36:56] - Vision and Recovery: The Eagle vs. Ostrich
[43:53] - Keeping Your Eyes Up: Living with High Vision
[45:11] - Taking Action on God’s Word
[47:50] - Persistence in Pursuing God’s Promise

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Power of Perspective – What Will You Magnify?

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### Bible Reading

1 Samuel 30:1-10, 18-20 (ESV)
> 1 Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire 2 and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. 3 And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. 5 David's two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” 9 So David set out, and the six hundred men who were with him, and they came to the brook Besor, where those who were left behind stayed. 10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men. Two hundred stayed behind, who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor.

> 18 David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all. 20 David also captured all the flocks and herds, and the people drove the livestock before him, and said, “This is David’s spoil.”

Acts 26:2 (ESV)
> “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews…”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Samuel 30, what did David do when he was greatly distressed and his own men wanted to stone him?
[[13:27]]

2. What specific steps did David take after encouraging himself in the Lord?
[[32:31]]

3. In the sermon, what analogy was used to describe the power of focus and what we choose to magnify in our lives?
[[05:52]]

4. What happened to the 200 men who were too exhausted to continue with David, and how did David respond?
[[10:55]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it significant that David “encouraged himself in the Lord his God” instead of relying on the faith of others? What does this reveal about the nature of personal faith?
[[13:27]]

2. The sermon mentions that David did not deny his pain or loss, but chose not to let bitterness take root. What does this teach about the biblical way to process grief and disappointment?
[[10:55]]

3. The pastor talked about “commanding your emotional state” and choosing joy as your dominant emotion. How does this idea compare to how most people handle their emotions?
[[19:21]]

4. When David inquired of the Lord, he received a specific answer (a “rhema” word). Why is it important to seek God’s guidance for our unique situations, rather than just relying on general promises?
[[32:31]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to “choose what you magnify.” What is something in your life right now that you tend to magnify—either a problem or a promise? How does your focus affect your faith or fear?
[[05:52]]

2. When you face discouragement or loss, do you tend to look for encouragement from others, or do you know how to encourage yourself in the Lord? What would it look like for you to strengthen yourself in God this week?
[[13:27]]

3. The pastor said, “Our emotions are not meant to rule us; we are called to command them.” Is there an area of your life where your emotions are in the driver’s seat? What practical step can you take to “choose joy” as your dominant emotion?
[[19:21]]

4. David didn’t just encourage himself—he also asked God for specific direction. Is there a situation in your life where you need a “rhema” word from God? How can you make space to listen for His guidance this week?
[[32:31]]

5. Sometimes, like the 200 men who stayed behind, people around us may not be able to continue the journey with us. Has there been a time when you had to keep going even when others dropped out? How did you stay persistent?
[[47:50]]

6. The sermon used the analogy of the eagle and the ostrich. Are you protecting and nurturing the “vision” or “promise” God has given you, or are you leaving it vulnerable? What would it look like to “keep your vision high” in your current season?
[[43:53]]

7. Encouragement is not just a feeling, but an action. What is one specific way you can speak life or declare God’s promises over your situation this week?
[[16:00]]

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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for one another, asking God to help each person magnify His faithfulness, encourage themselves in Him, and receive clear guidance for the week ahead.

Devotional

Day 1: Focus on God, Not Circumstances
In life, everyone faces difficult circumstances that can easily become the center of our attention. Like David at Ziklag, we have a choice: to focus on the loss and pain, or to focus on God’s promises and faithfulness. When we choose to magnify the Lord instead of our problems, our perspective shifts, and faith rises up within us. Just as a magnifying glass intensifies whatever it is directed at, so too does our focus determine what grows larger in our hearts—our problems or our God. Decide today to set your focus on the Lord, letting His truth and presence become greater than any challenge you face. [05:52]

1 Samuel 30:6-8 (ESV)
And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”

Reflection: What is one circumstance in your life that you have been magnifying above God? How can you intentionally shift your focus to God’s promises today?


Day 2: Encourage Yourself in the Lord
There are moments when encouragement from others is nowhere to be found, and you feel alone in your struggle. In those times, like David, you must learn to encourage and strengthen yourself in the Lord. This means reminding yourself of God’s faithfulness, declaring His promises over your life, and choosing to believe that He is with you even when no one else stands by your side. It’s not about relying on someone else’s revelation or faith, but about making God your own God—personal, present, and powerful in your life. Speak life over yourself, declare that you are God’s beloved, and let His truth be your source of strength. [16:00]

Psalm 23:1-4 (ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Reflection: When you feel alone or discouraged, what specific truth from God’s Word can you declare over yourself to strengthen your heart today?


Day 3: Choose Joy as Your Dominant Emotion
Your dominant focus shapes your dominant emotion. The Bible teaches that “as a man thinks, so is he,” and Paul declared, “I think myself happy.” In the midst of adversity, you have the power to command your emotional state and choose joy as your foundation. Joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the Lord, and it becomes your strength. When you make the joy of the Lord your dominant emotion, it becomes second nature to respond to life’s challenges with hope and peace. Let joy be what you are rooted in, so that even when troubles come, you are not shaken but remain steadfast in God’s goodness. [19:21]

Acts 26:2 (ESV)
“I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can “think yourself happy” and choose joy as your dominant emotion in a challenging situation today?


Day 4: Seek God’s Specific Guidance
God desires to give you specific direction for your life, not just general principles. David didn’t just rely on what he knew from the past or from others—he inquired of the Lord for a fresh, personal word. There is a difference between the written Word (Logos) and the spoken, specific word (Rhema) for your situation. When you ask God for guidance, believe that He will answer you, just as He answered David. Don’t simply act on what seems right or what others say; seek God’s voice for your next step, and trust that He will lead you into victory and restoration. [34:34]

James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Reflection: What decision or situation do you need to bring before God today, asking Him for specific guidance and waiting for His answer?


Day 5: Act on God’s Word with Persistence
Hearing from God is only the beginning; true recovery and restoration come when you act on what He has spoken, even when it requires persistence and endurance. David didn’t stop at the brook when others grew tired—he pressed on, holding fast to the word God had given him. Sometimes, the journey to recovery is long and others may fall away, but if God has given you a word, stay persistent and keep moving forward. Don’t let discouragement or the actions of others deter you from pursuing what God has promised. Recovery requires action, faith, and a refusal to quit until you see God’s promise fulfilled. [47:50]

Hebrews 10:35-36 (ESV)
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Reflection: Where have you been tempted to give up on something God has spoken to you? What is one step you can take today to persist in faith and action?

Quotes

So many times people look for other people like, I just need your encouragement. No, you don't. It helps. It's good. And as the other person, you should be and encourage them as a body of Christ, yes. But you know what? David didn't have that. So all we got to do is strengthen himself. That's what he's in the Lord. Strengthen himself in the Lord. [00:16:58] (23 seconds)  #LiveWithFocusedVision Edit Clip Translate Clip

You've got to find that happy place. You've got to, as a man thinks, so is he, the Bible says. So if you think you're dying, you're dying. If you think you're thriving, you're thriving. He said, well, no. You've got to think yourself happy. I think myself happy. I think myself happy. [00:19:04] (23 seconds)  #EncourageYourselfInGod Edit Clip Translate Clip

One translation in Acts 26 says it this way: I command my emotional state to be one of joy and happiness. Instead of, I think myself, I what? I command my emotional state. Sometimes you've got to take command of your emotional state. Because what happens is your emotions will try to get hold of you. [00:19:32] (25 seconds)  #SeekGodsGuidance Edit Clip Translate Clip

What do you dominantly focus on in your life? Do you dominantly focus on joy, peace, victory, or I'm not good enough, or I lost this, or everyone's going to stone me, it's going to be bitter? I mean, so I choose the joy of the Lord as my dominant emotion. So I can have a cheerful consistency. I don't have to be laying down in this depression, and I don't have to fear, have this worry, anxiety. I know that God's will is always going to come through. I know that God's will is going to, and I know God's will is good, and I know it's going to encourage me. [00:22:27] (55 seconds)  #BelieveAndReceive Edit Clip Translate Clip

If we truly believe in God, we know that he's not going to harm us. He's not going to lead us into destruction. He's not going to lead us. He knows that if he's leading us there, he's going to take care of us, that we can go through it. See, it's taking a magnifying glass and magnifying the things of God. It's magnifying what God has done, what God has promised. And let that blow up in your life. [00:25:15] (32 seconds)  #RecoverAllWithFaith Edit Clip Translate Clip

When we say we magnify you, Lord, we're saying literally we are choosing to look at you. We are choosing you. We're to magnify you. I think sometimes we need to live that life in a microscope. I believe we need to be in a microscope sometimes, and what happens on a microscope is you get really pinpoint focused—not just on the bug, but you really get to get in there and you get to see the cells and the organism and all the other distractions you don't see at the same time. I truly believe you need to live life looking through a telescope also. I think you got to keep vision, you got to keep knowing where you're going, you got to go for the stars, dream big, you got to be able to see what's out there. And then at the same time, you still got to have regular vision and walk by faith and truly not by sight. [00:27:29] (56 seconds)  #BeLikeTheEagle Edit Clip Translate Clip

What did David do? Seeking guidance and vision. You got to seek guidance and vision. So don't get bitter. Encourage yourself. Yes. Go be your... I remember I just hear dad saying this sometimes. He goes, sometimes he that toot. How did he say that? He that does not toot his own horn may not get it tooteth. Then he'd always go toot toot. And what he's saying is like, don't be arrogant. Don't be boastful. But you got to toot your own horn as in not prideful. Encourage yourself. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Say I can do this. I know I am a child of God. And then you got to go what? Encourage it. Now go get guidance. I can hear from God. [00:30:19] (58 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

The key action here that David inquired is right here. Verse 8. Chapter 30 verse 8. It says David inquired of the Lord. Another word for inquired is asked. He asked for the Lord. He asked the Lord. Didn't tell. Didn't complain. Didn't gripe. He asked. So encourage yourself. And David inquires of the Lord. That means he knows he's going to get an answer also. There's an importance of seeking God's specific guidance in prayer. [00:31:18] (35 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

If you don't read it, you ain't going to get it, Hunter. I mean, you got to get in it. But what I want y'all to realize, and I believe a lot of you do, is you got so much more power that you're not even doing. You know, you have given Satan authority—listen. It's simple, right? David inquired of the Lord saying, some people will just go to the back of the book, to the glossary and the index, and go, I wonder what the Bible says about this problem, which is good, and you should do that. But that shouldn't be one of your first things. It should be inquire of the Lord. Lord, what do you want me to do in this situation? [00:33:32] (57 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

The last thing that David did, and you mentioned this, and this was really good at communion, is yes, David encouraged himself. Yes, David inquired of the Lord, asked the Lord. And he heard, he heard, if you ask, I will answer. So know that if you ask a question, you're going to get an answer. Now here's the key, is you got to do what? You got to act it. It's a call to action. [00:44:15] (31 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip