Perception: Do You See What I See?

By JP

Perception is not only about what you see and your sense of reality (including memories, flashbacks, dreams, and hallucinations). In this case, we are also including the five senses—touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing—and self-perception, which is how you see yourself.

We have a perception of ourselves and reality every day. We can also change these perceptions or allow them to change us. There might be things we don’t like to touch, taste, smell, see, or hear. There might be times when we have bad dreams (nightmares). There may be moments when we see ourselves in a negative way. Painful memories or flashbacks might keep playing in our minds.

Struggles of Perception

Our perceptions can sometimes lead to struggles. Negative self-perception can make us feel unworthy or inadequate, affecting our confidence and relationships. Painful memories or flashbacks can trap us in cycles of fear, anxiety, or sadness. Sensory experiences, like an unpleasant smell or a distressing sound, can trigger discomfort or even trauma. Dreams and hallucinations may blur the line between reality and imagination, causing confusion or distress. These struggles can make it hard to find peace or maintain a clear perspective on life.

Strengths of Perception

Despite these challenges, our perception is also a powerful gift. It allows us to experience the beauty of the world—savoring a delicious meal, hearing a loved one’s laughter, or seeing a vibrant sunset. Our ability to reflect on ourselves can lead to growth, helping us recognize our strengths and areas for improvement. Memories, even painful ones, can teach us resilience and empathy. Dreams can inspire creativity and hope, while our senses connect us deeply to God’s creation. When we harness our perception intentionally, it becomes a tool for gratitude, connection, and understanding.

How to Have a Holy Perception with Jesus in Mind

To cultivate a holy perception, we can invite Jesus into our sensory and self-perception experiences, aligning them with His truth and love:

1. Seek God’s Perspective Through Prayer: Start each day by asking Jesus to guide your perceptions. Pray for clarity to see yourself and others as He does—loved, valued, and created with purpose. Scripture reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).
2. Reframe Negative Self-Perception: When you struggle with negative thoughts about yourself, meditate on God’s Word. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Let Jesus’ love redefine how you see yourself, replacing lies with His truth.
3. Surrender Painful Memories and Flashbacks: Bring painful memories or flashbacks to Jesus in prayer. Ask for His healing and peace to replace fear or sorrow. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our anxieties to God, trusting His peace to guard our hearts and minds.
4. Engage Your Senses with Gratitude: Use your five senses to connect with God’s creation. Savor the taste of a meal with thankfulness, listen to worship music that uplifts your spirit, or touch the pages of your Bible as you read. These acts can anchor you in God’s presence.
5. Transform Nightmares Through Faith: If nightmares or troubling dreams disturb you, pray for God’s protection before sleeping. Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Trust Jesus to guard your mind, even in rest.
6. Stay Rooted in Community: Share your struggles and joys with a trusted Christian community. They can pray with you, offer encouragement, and help you see God’s work in your life. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

By inviting Jesus into every aspect of our perception, we align our senses, thoughts, and self-image with His divine perspective. This holy perception brings peace, purpose, and a deeper connection to God’s truth, transforming how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Reflective Questions

1. How do your current perceptions of yourself align with or differ from how Jesus sees you or your current situation, and what steps can you take to embrace His perspective?
2. Which of your five senses helps you feel most connected to God’s creation, and how can you use it to deepen your gratitude?

What is one painful memory or recurring thought you can surrender to Jesus this week, and how might you seek His peace in that process?