Clear Vision

Much clouds our vision from God. We easily become enamored with assets or issues, inadvertently changing our views, our actions, maybe even our beliefs. Our focus moves from God to the things of this world.

“There is nothing new under the sun.” These are the words of King Solomon, called the wisest person on earth in the Bible. In his biography, the book of Ecclesiastes, he details what he means, as he reflects on his life. His story is that of a man trying to find joy and peace from things of this world. He had no material needs in life and describes life as “meaningless,” as his quest for joy and peace ends up empty. His vision was clouded.

One thing in life immediately clears our vision. When we recognize that we have a need that can only be met by God, we see Him clearly.

Illustrated throughout the Bible, people that had a great need had clear vision. Take Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue. He had a 12-year-old daughter dying. This was a monumental need that had no worldly solution. Jairus had a laser focus on Jesus saying, “come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” Nothing else mattered or clouded his vision. He was focused on the One that could heal. In the midst of the story of Jairus, we read about a woman that had been bleeding for 12 years. She fought through the crowd to touch Jesus saying, “if I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” Story after story of people with great need and great faith came to Christ.

Then there is this story of a group of friends bringing a paralytic to Jesus. They, too, had a need.

And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. Mark 9:2-7

Jesus clearly illustrates that we all have a need, the forgiveness of sin, and we all have it. The recognition of this need humbles and clears vision.

Once in my life, things were clicking on all cylinders. My job was great. My family was growing, and we were in a terrific spot. It seemed that I was winning in life, and all was well. As I was gathered together around a group of friends, someone asked if I had any prayer requests. I confidently exclaimed that I didn’t, life was awesome. Life was indeed awesome, so awesome that it clouded my vision. I didn’t feel that I had any needs. I think back to my arrogance.

So, do you have cloudy vision today? Join the club, as it is a daily battle. The good news is that the recognition of your need for Jesus will clear your vision. Turn your eyes to the One that offers clarity. Practically, just talk to him.

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