What are We Seeing Now?

What we see now depends on where we are looking.  Many of us have grown tired of keeping up with the news and for that matter TV altogether.  Sports fans are now reduced to ultimate frisbee and old rivalry games from the past.  For Christians we have seen streaming utilized by worship artist and pastors to spread hope and teach truth from the Bible.  It’s been wonderful in many ways to see life slow down and the distractions minimized.  The busy of life had the air let out of it.  Thank the Lord!  But back to where we are looking.  What do you most often focus on anyway?  Is it people, family, friends, finances, sports, the news, the weather, etc.?  Do you focus on yourself most of the time.  Think on that question.   Also, do you look at the here and now or do you think on eternity and what a day that will be?  What about during this pandemic?

While there are certainly positives to be noted during this pandemic, there have been deaths, illness, discomfort, unemployment, and shutdowns.  It’s not been a FUN time for most.  Graduates and students have had a major shift and change in their plans and how school is normally done.  During this time all of us have had various challenging circumstances.  Elizabeth Elliot urges us to “do the next thing” in tough times and suffering.  So, what’s your next thing?  Let’s look at some options

Stare in Despair or Cry and Rely?

In times of change and suffering and uncertainty we have the option to stare in desperation at our circumstances or look to our Waymaker God.  Is it that simple?  How is life when we are feeling hopeless and focusing on all that has gone wrong?  How is life when we stare at all that we have lost whether it be a loved one, or money, or opportunity, or time?  Many people get stuck staring in despair.  They see no way out and God’s still small voice seems all too small to them.  What about when we lean on God in tough times and remind ourselves of His promises and power?  Isn’t it reviving to cry out to God and give it up to Him.  I’m talking about giving it ALL up to Him.  To cry out to God and fully rely on Him and His higher ways.  Many times we default to giving it ALL up to the Lord only after we are at the end of our own work and our own ways.  How in tough times do we have our eyes opened by the Lord to see His glory and to see the hope found only in Him?

How God Opens Our Eyes

Let’s start with Psalm 119:18

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from your law.”

Do we really desire that our eyes be opened?  I ask this because it’s a battle I’ve experienced.  Are you seeking after the Lord?  At times I’m not sure we really want to hear what God has to say on matters or see what God is up to.  If we are honest we have a strong SELF that wants certain things to happen certain ways.  It’s true.  We want our way most of the time.  That old nature just simply tugs at us. It’s important to be aware of that and to prepare ahead of each day for this battle. 

There is a battle for our attention.

My outlook overall is to hopefully recognize the truth which includes how lame we are and how far we stray.  The Bible is clear about this for all of us.  No one is exempt.  We have all fallen short.  We are certainly “prone to wander”, Amen?  And that brings us to the main point.  We need our eyes opened and we as followers of Jesus should be wanting to see God’s reality and His truth in our lives.  We should not want to pretend for others or ourselves.  I so love to hear people who seem genuine and authentic and a core component of that is humility in how they see their flawed selves.  Jesus and His example of humility is our standard.  Washing feet, laying His life down, serving the needs of others, and loving others.  He loved the unlovely.  Oh God, open our eyes to see Jesus and truth.  The liar and accuser wants our eyes on defeat and on the world and on what people think.  We embrace our feelings all too hastily.  Feelings are fleeting.  What stands the test of time and what our eyes must be fixed on is Christ crucified and the Word of God.  

I’m introducing a series called “With Eternity in View”.  This God given vision mode is what we must seek.  He will do it as we pray and grow in the Word.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus friends.  Pray for this ministry.  We are growing and learning along with you.  God will help us and show us.