“I have set the Lord continually before me;…” Psalm 16:8a NAS
During the year she lived with us, my 89 year old mother often delighted us with her funny, insightful observations. One such time she asked me incredulously, ‘Deborah, is it really true that next year will be 2020??” When I answered in the affirmative, she shook her head in wonder. Then she asked, ‘Do you suppose this will be there year that we all can see clearly?” I laughed and clapped my hands at the way her mind tied the year, 2020, with perfect eyesight. Perfect vision.
Friends. If there is one thing the world needs in this new decade, is a people whose vision is pure and unobstructed. There is so much darkness moving to quench our Light; but our fire is from within. So long as we keep the coals of love burning for the Vision Giver, then our eyes will remain clear and able to see into the future in a more perfect way.
The Bible is filled with language imagery for our lives, our paths being filled with obstacles, stumbling blocks, challenges and hardships. But from the Psalms comes this picture: “Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path…”
God’s word is a bright Light. It does not change. Not ever. It lives and breathes life and light and direction into every new day, every new year, every new season and decade. We are never without that Light, unless, by choice, we turn away. That is why it is imperative that we treasure His words, and hide them in our hearts. “Thy Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” In this we understand that as an inoculation against sin, the Word of God lights up the darkest corners of our souls, guarding our thoughts, correcting our actions. God’s Word is a safe, safe place to hide my heart, my needs, my sorrows, my questions. Even my doubts.
Life isn’t fair nor is it easy. Without a doubt, if we do not avail ourselves of the abundance of mercy offered us at the Throne of Grace, our light will grow dimmer and dimmer. The Lord encourages us, at every step, to keep looking forward. Towards Him. Keeping Him ever before us.
In the dawn of a new decade, may our eyes be filled with Light, our hearts be trained in righteousness, our thoughts be pure and our actions full of kindness.
Lord. We look to You for 2020. The year You gave us Perfect Vision.
~ Debbie Ecker
