Seeing Clearly

I got my first pair of glasses when I was 8 years old. At that time, I could only see clearly within two feet of my face. I have terrible eyesight. I am extremely nearsighted.

Me in my first pair of glasses :)

The funny thing was that I didn't even know my eyes were bad. I just figured everybody saw the way I did! I remember the day my older sister got her first pair of glasses. I wanted to try them on for fun. I was completely shocked with what I saw! I couldn't believe all the fine lines on everything. Until that moment, I had no idea what I was missing.
   
Shortly after, I got my own glasses (which were actually much stronger than my sister's). I vividly remember walking outside for the first time with 20/20 vision. It was fall. The leaves on the trees took my breath away! I could see each and every leaf distinctly. The colors were amazing. It was a whole new world! At school I could actually see what the teacher was writing on the board, without having to walk up to it! I could go on and on, but what I'm getting at is seeing clearly changed my life.

I've been thinking about this lately in spiritual terms.  The more I read God's word, grow in intimacy with Him, trust Him, obey Him, the more I know Him, I SEE that HIS WAYS ARE RIGHT & GOOD! The fruit of righteousness brings real peace and joy...the kind that never ends.

For some reason our flesh wants to be our own God. We think we know what's best for us. And God must certainly be keeping good from us. Why else would he give us all these commands? Somehow we can make God a power hungry dictator who just wants to ruin our fun. Nothing could be further from the truth! 

He made us! He knows what is good for us. He wants to protect us. We are like children who want to go run out into the street...having no idea the danger. OUR NATURAL EYES DON'T SEE. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see the Truth and to love it...love Him. Only then do we see "a whole new world".

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law." -Psalm 119:18

Psalm 19:7-11
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is Your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.