Last month, I somehow contracted an eye infection. Nasty thing, it was. I woke up with goop gluing my eyelid together and underneath hid a red, swollen eye. Yuck. Monday morning, it was off to the doctor for me to get antibiotic eye drops and strict orders to refrain from wearing my contacts.
Glasses. I have worn glasses over a quarter of a century now and I still do not like them. The glasses I currently use are from a prescription of days gone past and consequently, I can't see very well out of them. However, without them, I can't see a thing.
A couple of years ago, I had to purchase a specialized alarm clock with two inch high numbers. Even with my head on the pillow right next to its bright glowing red numbers, I still squint to read the time. I'm not exaggerating. My vision is terrible. I need my glasses.
I have passed on this genetic trait to all of my unfortunate children. As the youngest, four-year-old Samuel was the last to acquire his spectacles. He is also the best at misplacing them. Recently, the glasses went missing for several days when Nathan found them camouflaged by the heat vent grate on the floor. The usual quarter reward was given. I've asked if super-gluing glasses to a little person is child abuse and rumor has it is. Bummer.
The thing about Samuel is that he does not think he needs his glasses. He is convinced that he can see just fine without them.
I understand exactly how he feels because I feel that way when it comes to God sometimes. I convince myself I can see. I persuade myself to think that the vision I have of God is clear and complete. I forget the need to put on my glasses daily. Okay, I don't have superpower glasses that allow me to see the spiritual realm, but I do have a Bible. Inside is a clear and consistent description of who God is. Yet sometimes, I don't take the time to open it up and spend some time with the Lord.
Here are a few verses to consider:
Isaiah 56:10
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep.
Isaiah 44:9
All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.
Psalm 146:8
the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.
Do you see the connection between blindness and lack of knowledge or ignorance? The flip side of that is a connection between sight and wisdom, to see God for who he really is and to walk in that truth.
Don't get stuck with yesterday's glasses prescription. Each day, open up your Bible and strengthen your vision. You need to do this. I need to do this.
Remember how I told you that Samuel doesn't think he needs his glasses. Well, he does and this is how I know.
Last year during basketball season, Jeff (Samuel's daddy) was coaching basketball. The other coach is Mr. Norman who is also tall with dark hair. Jeff and Mr. Norman wore matching coaching shirts. From one end of the gym to the other, Samuel could not determine which one was his daddy. This is a problem. You should be able to find your daddy. You should be able to pinpoint your heavenly father. Know him. Know his character. Do not be confused by your lack of vision, your lack of knowledge and truth.
Every day, I find time to check my email. I check my facebook page. Most days, I even check the weather. If I have time to do all of that, I know I have time to check in with my abba and so do you.
Here's one more verse to ponder:
I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
Psalm 119:104-106
You know, I love to leave you with a song, so check this one out. It's an oldie but a goodie.
Here are the words:
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
