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Listen while you read: "Open My Eyes That I May See"1
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Habukkuk 2:1a – I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me. (NIV)
Just look. That's all I had to do while relaxing in a lawn chair on the deck in the backyard of my brother's farmhouse. I quickly discovered that looking can be quite adventurous, for while looking, I began noticing what I didn't see the first time, or the second time, or even the third time.
For example, several times I had looked under the big spruce tree before finally noticing the lilies of the valley. When I did notice these delicate blooms nestled amidst the shady greenery, I was amazed that I had failed to notice them before. Why? That's my favourite flower!
That's when I decided to look over the yard with the deliberate aim of noticing as much as I could. I began noticing fluttering leaves in the willows. I noticed sparrows. On and on this went. There was far more to see than I could possibly notice.
The spiritual parallel is obvious. Certainly, spiritual things become obvious if we can be still long enough to notice. I'm not naturally inclined to be still that long. But now, infirmity is giving me that gift. My time has been freed up to look and notice.
There's been much to notice. For example, by looking more closely at what I read, I'm noticing what influenced my favourite writers. They themselves had learned to look and notice, especially when that's all that they could do — during imprisonment, illness, or banishment. With keen eyes on Scripture, they noticed spiritual truths that we fail to see amidst our superficialities.
Oh, how easily we fail to notice the obvious around us, such as the abundance of provisions available to create well-functioning lives and a healthy society. That includes the means for spiritual growth, like free Bible resources and good teaching. Indeed, we could be the best civilization ever if more people would look and notice the vast array of blessings in the backyard of our earthly home.
Lately, I've been looking over the multitude of free internet programs and videos. But as I look more and more into this section of the yard, I notice one critically important caution: online resources can become passive click-bait for the godly. We can become more enamoured with these easily accessible blessings than with the Blesser. He's often best noticed in the obscure spots, those shadowy places of dark trials. If we keep on looking there, we will gradually notice that these spots, in themselves, are blessings through which God helps us to discover the best blessing of all: Himself, God, the Blesser.
So, like the prophet Habakkuk in today's verse, let's remember to look from the shadowy places around us to see what He will say to us.
Prayer: Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, Thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! Amen. (Clara H. Scott)
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About the author:
Diane Eaton <dianeeaton6@gmail.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada
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Thanks for the encouraging thoughts, Diane.
Beautiful!! Thank you.
(B.C.)
Dear Diane,
Oh! So true. Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us…especially the hymn quoted as a prayer. It’s one of my favorites. Blessings.
The saying is: Blessings Come To Those Who Notice. I had it inscribed over my front door. And today you have given me a rich blessing and I am thankful.
Thank you for this very important reminder, Diane. It is so easy to miss so much in these hectic days. May God continue to bless you and keep you noticing the divine!
Dear Diane,
Thank you for your inspirational devotion today! I also was delighted with the “ Daily Music.” Clara H. Scott’s hymn is a very special one to me.
Thanks, Diane, for another of your very special devotionals. Yes, what a better world we would have if more attention was given to the word of God and if more people followed the teachings of love and sharing shown by our loving Lord. Blessings as you continue to do these writings.
Hi Diane,
What a wonderful devotional yet again! You speak to my heart in so many ways!! We have a weekly email/snail mail, and it is your devotional that I will include once again.
God’s best to you!!
Joy!
Loved this Dianne…so well put together and a wonderful message.
Because I am grieving the loss of my only sister who struggled with mental illness, I have been, somehow, more open to many who have come to stay at our BNB. Many folks need an ear as well as a rest. The Lord has opened my eyes and my heart to the sorrows of others, and some have said, “I think I was meant to be here.”
Thank you.
Good morning, Diane,
I like this hymn.
It is interesting how much we don’t notice around us, especially in places we have been often. Our minds take for granted that we know this area. When we walk with others, and they point things out it reminds us to be more observant. I walk with a friend who is always picking up coinage that I do not see.
I know this is also true in my spiritual life. I need to pay close attention to recognize all the wonderful things that God puts in my life to add to my spiritual growth. When I start my day with a gratitude list, it awakens my mind to so much that I have. When I read the Word, I am reminded of what God does for his people. When I talk about my faith with others, I learn more and recognize that God put these friends in my life to spark my spiritual growth.
Thank you for sharing what you have opened your eyes to and this lovely prayer to remind us to slow down and appreciate what life and God has to offer us. Blessings.