“The human soul is but a channel through which flows a divine stream of energy. The efficient man keeps the channel clear. And to do this, he must look upon the world merely as a field through which he passes, not as a marsh in which he settles.”
THE TRIUMPH OF THE MAN WHO ACTS
Marsh Living vs. Field Glasses: Unblocking the Divine Flow
I read a quote recently, and it gripped me. I reread it, and now I’m writing because I can’t shake it. The part that hit hardest was the image of the marsh—how often I’ve gotten frustrated watching the things I built sink into the black, murky waters. The belief that my efforts will yield something lasting in this life… it’s a fallacy. If I am to live in this world with peace, I must change my perspective about it.
The Cost of Marsh Living? Everything.
When I wear Marsh Glasses, I’m constantly concerned about keeping what I’ve built afloat. My energy goes to maintenance, protection, and appearances. And in all that striving, I miss the gentle whisper of the Dove. The Holy Spirit rests upon a clear channel. He flows through me, not to take up permanent residence in a system built on survival and self-sufficiency.
My blocking beliefs clog the channel. And so, it’s time to look at life through different lenses—Field Glasses. These represent a mindset of passing through. They release peace because they’re rooted in eternity. Let’s contrast the two.
Money
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Marsh Glasses say, “This is all there is.” So I hoard, grasp, and stress. I clutch money like a lifeline, becoming anxious, overly budgeted, and resistant to generosity. The result? A slow emotional and spiritual death, like a foot sinking into mud.
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Field Glasses remind me I’m passing through. God is my supply—not my job, not my hustle. With these lenses, I live generously, pray faithfully, and work with joy. Money becomes a tool, not a master. I experience rest, not pressure.
Significance
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Marsh Glasses put me on the hamster wheel of performance. I chase applause, but it never satisfies. I reach for validation in work, social media, friendships, and family—but it’s always just out of reach.
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Field Glasses fill my emotional tank from the start. I stop chasing and start pouring. I live from overflow. Significance is no longer something I earn; it’s something I carry. It’s not I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Goals
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Marsh Glasses make goals about proving myself. They rely on my strength, my discipline, and my timeline. But finite goals powered by finite energy produce burnout.
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Field Glasses allow me to set holy goals—ones inspired and empowered by God. The grace to endure comes with the mission. I can suffer well because the goal isn’t about me, it’s about His glory.
Health
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Marsh Glasses make me cling tightly to life. I pursue every health trend, read every self-help book, and obsess over wellness. But in trying to save a dying body, I can lose my soul.
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Field Glasses invite me to live in balance. I care for my body, yes—but from a place of gratitude, not fear. I live abundantly and with eternity in view, trusting God with every breath.
The Takeaway
Jesus told us about this. Build your house on the rock, He said—not on sand. Marsh living is just another form of sandy foundation. It might look stable for a moment, but it won’t last. The peace we long for can only be found when we shift our focus from earth to eternity.
I wrote this for myself. Because in unpacking these areas—money, significance, goals, and health—I saw how much I’ve been blocking. But there’s hope. We can change our glasses. We can release the divine flow.
So here’s the invitation: Join me. Let’s unblock the divine.
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Dave Scott 
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