"Perspective"

It’s All in Perspective: Learning to Think Like David

From the July 13, 2025 message “That’s Perspective” by Pastor April Morse

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…” – Psalm 23:4

Sometimes, the greatest battles we face happen not in the world around us but in the thoughts within us. This was the heart of the recent sermon, which unpacked the depth of Psalm 23—specifically the phrase “the valley of the shadow of death.” Not the valley of death itself, but the shadow—something shaped by perspective.

Shadows and Light: What We See Is Shaped by Where We Stand

Shadows aren’t solid. They can feel intimidating, but they’re not reality. And what creates a shadow? Light. A shadow is evidence that there’s a light source—often God’s presence—that we may not be fully focused on. When David says he fears no evil because God is with him, he's not denying hardship. He's recognizing a deeper truth: God's presence defines reality more than the shadows ever could.

This mindset is what gave David the courage to face Goliath when no other soldier would. He didn’t see the giant as a threat—he saw an opportunity for God to be glorified. His victory didn’t start on the battlefield. It began in his mind, where he had already trained himself to trust God through past struggles with lions and bears.

The Power of a Transformed Mind

Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation isn’t a one-time shift; it’s a lifelong process. As the sermon highlighted, it’s a present imperative—a command that continues daily.

Here are seven signs of a transformed mind (inspired by Kris Vallotton):

1. You live in hope – You believe good will come.

   
   
   
   

2. The impossible seems reasonable – Miracles don’t shock you; you expect them.

   
   
   
   

3. You live in peace, not worry – Anxiety turns into “positive what-ifs.”

   
   
   
   

4. You like yourself and embrace weakness – You know God shines through your cracks.

   
   
   
   

5. You’re quick to forgive – Grace flows easily because you’ve received it.

   
   
   
   

6. You’re confident and thankful – Gratitude keeps you grounded and humble.

   
   
   
   

7. You believe in others – You extend grace, knowing everyone’s in process.

   
   
   
   

Rewiring Our Brains, Renewing Our Perspective

Modern science confirms what Scripture has said all along: our brains are adaptable. This is called neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change in response to learning, experience, and focus. When we repeatedly dwell on God’s truth, we strengthen those neural pathways—like carving out a road in the jungle of our minds. Eventually, what once felt unnatural becomes our new default.

Just like renovating a house, renewing our minds means pulling out the old to make space for something new. It requires intention, choice, and effort—but it leads to freedom.

Psalm 23: A Mindset for Victory

The sermon ended with a fresh take on Psalm 23, showing how each line speaks to the state of our hearts:

• The Lord is my Shepherd – that’s relationship.

  
  
  
  

• I shall not want – that’s supply.

  
  
  
  

• He makes me lie down – that’s rest.

  
  
  
  

• He restores my soul – that’s healing.

  
  
  
  

• Even though I walk through the valley – that’s perspective.

  
  
  
  

• I will fear no evil – that’s protection.

  
  
  
  

• You anoint my head – that’s consecration.

  
  
  
  

• Surely goodness and mercy will follow me – that’s blessing.

  
  
  
  

• I will dwell in the house of the Lord – that’s eternity.

  
  
  
  

Renovation Requires Choice

Perspective doesn’t shift overnight. Like steering a barge, turning your mental direction takes time and steady intention. But small changes—guided by the Holy Spirit—create lasting transformation. As the sermon reminded us: the words we speak begin with the thoughts we think. And the Holy Spirit knows exactly where we are and how to lovingly guide us into deeper truth.

God is inviting you into renewal, not just of your habits but of your inner world. He’s not expecting perfection—He’s just asking for participation. Let Him lead you out of the shadows and into a perspective shaped by light.