"Open my eyes that I may see…"
(Ps 119:18 NIV)
Have you ever been utterly surrounded by deep,
bone-chilling fog? All you can see is…fog and more fog! You can't even see your
own hand, unless you put it right in front of your face. Have you noticed that
during such times of your life,
you are unable to even perceive the presence of the sun?
Nonetheless, it's there, shining as brightly as ever.
But why do we tend to be more discouraged at such
times? Is it possible it's because we can't see the sun?
But if we continually seek the sun, we will eventually
see it. I was out wandering in my yard the other day, camera in hand. The fog
was dense, but at just the expected moment, the sun peeked through the trees and
I was greeted by an outstanding view: I was surrounded by an undescribable
orange hue, and this light was chasing away the fog!
Fog is not here to stay! It can't! The sun will
eventually chase it away!
Seven years ago we found ourselves in heavy fog as
well. We were near Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, on our way to see the "Ovens",
fabulous sea caves on the Atlantic Ocean. We were discouraged from entering the
park. The sea caves could not be viewed in all their splendour in times like
these.
Last year we returned to that same location. This time
the sun was shining brightly and we were greeted by utter delight: Gorgeous
caves like none we had ever seen. We took advantage of the sunshine and visited
every possible crevice. The fog hindered us the first time from seeing the utter
beauty that surrounded us!
In our lives we often experience dense spiritual fog.
So often we find ourselves lost in our circumstances. What can we do when a
loved one is dying from a devastating disease? How do we react when our spouse
decides to take a walk on the wild side? How do we feel when we receive an
eviction notice? Where is God when we are hit by circumstances beyond
nightmarish?
The fog of confusion hinders us from seeing the Son of
God. Nonetheless, He is closer than we think.
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most
dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." (Matt
5:4 The Message)
We may feel lost and desperate, but only because all
we see is the thick, eerie fog of our circumstances! But the Son is still
shining, even brighter than ever before, it's just that when we let our
circumstances overwhelm us, we can't see Him!
If at those times we could only remember to stop and
ask God to open our eyes so we could see, we would no longer feel alone. The fog
would dissipate enough for us to see the One who is called "the lover of our
soul". His love would pierce through and we would find ourselves surrounded by
utter beauty emanating from the undying love of the One who willingly sacrificed
Himself for us 2000 years ago.
"Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a
wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not
hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not
backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold
blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that
nothing - nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or
low, thinkable or unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God's
love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." (Rom 8:35-39 The
Message)
One day a blind man was given his sight by the One we
call Jesus. When sceptics were questioning him, he couldn't help but exclaim:
"One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (John 9:18 NIV) He didn't let
his circumstances dominate him. He sought the face of Jesus until he found Him!
Even amidst our worst nightmares, our loving Father in
heaven gives us the possibility of seeing beyond what we can see. No matter how
dense the
fog, we can see Him shine as brightly as ever before.
But this can only be done if we ask and believe.
"The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on
my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I
could see." (John 9:11 NIV)
Lord, when we are surrounded by the dense fog of
adversity, help us to see! Help us to not let ourselves be discouraged. Help us
remember to ask You to open our eyes so that we can see, utterly see, the love
You have for us. Remind us when You told us: "In this world you will have
trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NIV) Help us
not lose sight of who You really are. Help us feel that indescribable love that
surrounds us when we feel Your embrace. Thank You Lord for always being there
for us, no matter our circumstances. We love You! In Jesus' holy name. Amen"
Remember, the "Son" is still shining, even amidst
heavy fog.
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.