AUG. 8, 2013
Reflections
On Windows
Read: Psalm
34:1-10
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. —Psalm 119:18
Much
of the scenery I saw during our vacation in Alaska was through the windows
of
moving vehicles. I was thankful for glass that allowed me to see the beauty
while
remaining warm and dry. But the windows also presented a challenge. When
it
rained, water drops on the outside obscured the view. When the temperature
changed, condensation caused fog to develop on the inside.
Those
challenges help me understand why it is impossible for us to see life the way
God intended it. Sin obscures the beauty of life that God wants us to enjoy.
Sometimes sin is inside—our selfishness creates a fog that makes us see
ourselves
as more important than we are and causes us to forget about others’
interests.
Sometimes sin is outside. The injustice of others causes our tears
to fall like rain,
preventing us from seeing the goodness of God. Sin of any
kind keeps us from
seeing the wonder and glory of life as God designed it.
For
now, even though “we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a
mirror” (1 Cor. 13:12 nlt), we see enough to know that God is good (Ps.
34:8).
The many wonderful things that God has revealed will help us to forsake
sin and
work to minimize its consequences in the world.
Lord, improve our vision. Clear the fog that comes from
self-centered thinking. Help us to uphold justice,
to offer comfort to others, and to wipe away the tears
that have been left by the storms of life.
The only way to see life clearly is to focus on Christ.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
