Open my eyes that I might see wonderful things from your law.
Psalm 119:18
We take pictures to help us remember. It’s that time when families are gathering together in an iconic setting in front of a camera lens to capture a memory they can share with others as a Christmas card. This is such a beautiful season. The backdrop could not be more ideal with the glorious colors of autumn. Our hope is that the lens of the camera will catch our smiling faces at just the right angle and in just the right light that from its perspective, we really look like a happy family, and most times we are. =)
The Bible is an open lens that gives us God’s viewpoint on life; ours, His and others. It helps us remember that we are a part of His bigger picture and His big family. By filtering our circumstances through the lens of His Word we can gain a broader view of His eternal perspective. We can see more clearly who God is, who we are, and the plans He has for us.
Every detail of my life is not written in the Bible and doesn’t come into focus when I read His Word. But for me, when my life doesn’t make sense and the path ahead seems dim and blurry, I know I can open my Bible and be reminded of three things that will become clearer. God tells us that His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path – a flash on the camera, if you will.
First, I will see more clearly who God is. He is loving, powerful, all-sufficient, full of grace, merciful, all-knowing, and always present with me.
I will be with you always, to the very end of the age. Do not be terrified or dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
These are only a few of the infinite attributes of God that we learn about in scripture. He’s so much more! Open your Bible to see who He is and what He can do. The words of Chris Tomlin sum it up so well and they are easy to remember when you can’t remember anything else. He is our good, good Father. It’s who He is.
Secondly, when I open my Bible I will see more clearly who I am. I am unconditionally loved by God. He gave His only son to die for my sins. I am forgiven. I am free from guilt and shame. I have an inheritance waiting in heaven for me. I am His child.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 1:3
These two things lead me to the third; His plans for me are good. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, God knows His plans for me and they are to prosper me and not to harm me. To give me a hope and a future.
Our loving, Sovereign God, our good, good Father has His eye on us and never loses His focus. He’s got a handle on this picture. The picture of my life is very clear to Him and He is positioning everything and everyone in such a way that brings Him the most glory.
If you ever second guess that just look at the way He paints the sunset, draws the ocean waves or sculpts the mountains. In the end, our picture will be a beautiful reflection of who He is.
Don’t look at the Bible anymore as just a book, but look at it as a camera lens that brings your life and purpose into God’s perfect focus!