Soul Blinders

Webster's dictionary describes a distraction as something that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. It also describes a distraction as a diversion.

In life we often experience many diversions, something that causes us to lose focus on the important things. Horse trainers often add blinders to the bridle of race horses because they believe these blinders keep the horse focused on what is in front of him, and encourage him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds. As believers, we know that Christ and our relationship with Him, witnessing and bringing lost souls into the Family of God is our goal. But we also have to live life. And recently my life, my heart and my mind have been filled with "things". When this happens, it's difficult for me to hear God's voice. 

I had an "aha moment" sitting at my kitchen table the other morning--I felt overwhelmed and began to cry. I had no idea where the tears were coming from or why, but boy did they flow. It was at that moment that I heard the voice of The Lord, clearer than I had in months! I began to pray..."Father, I have no words to speak. Only tears to cry for this lost and lonely feeling that I have deep in my heart." He said to me, "I have been waiting for you to come back to our meeting place...good morning!" As I sat and communed with God, I knew what that longing was about. I love shoes and if I could, I would fill every empty space in my closet with a new pair (digressing...a little but stay with me). Whenever I feel a "need" in my life and I can't figure it out, eventually I go to shoes. And oh my goodness, I buy beautiful shoes! And for a moment, I have my happy back. But it never lasts longer than the time it takes for me to find the next bargain.

Friend, The Lord allowed me to see that I had been filling the void in my heart with things that would never satisfy. Spending time alone with God connects us to His Spirit, thereby allowing us the opportunity to know Him in a personal way. Only THAT can satisfy what feels like an empty chasm in our hearts. The Psalmist said it best..."As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:1-2). 

I didn't realize that I had been attempting to fill the loneliness and longing that I felt in my heart with things, I found that my real refuge was in spending time with God. God doesn't leave us without direction or help. He gave us His Word, the Bible, to direct our thoughts, behaviors, hearts, minds and souls - to be our soul-blinders! 

Here's Our Prayer:

Father in Heaven, each of us can find a reason to do a great many things to satisfy the physicality's of loneliness and brokenness. But, we want to fill that space with You. In those awkward moments when things just don't seem to be going as planned, remind us that You are here and that You're listening, speaking and waiting patiently for us to meet with You. Thank You Lord for never turning Your back on us, even when we are not cognizant of the fact that You are there. Amen

Mirror, Mirror

“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all…” That’s an epic line from the Disney Classic movie “Snow White.”  The Evil Queen was in a constant state of competition with her lovely step daughter, “Snow White.”

I think of that quote sometimes when I’m standing in front of a mirror. Women, spend a lot of time there. Whether it’s to admire God's handiwork or to chastise ourselves for that cookie we ate last night.   Whatever the reason, we spend a lot of time looking, tweaking, shaming, comparing. It's human nature. A friend of mine, who was "down on herself" about having gained weight and looking different than her 20 year old self, expressed her disdain to her significant other, apparently she did this more often than he cared for. She says, he told her in a conversation that he wanted her to try an exercise. He asked her to see herself through his eyes. My friend told me that the woman he described was nothing in comparison to the woman she saw in the mirror everyday. He described an exquisitely beautiful woman, which brought tears to her eyes.   Seeing herself through his eyes caused her to change her perspective and embrace the woman she had become.

Likewise, I'm reduced to tears filled with gratitude when I consider what God sees when He looks at me.   Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 5:21—“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”  Say what now?  Really?  Yes, we are the very righteousness of God and when He looks at us, He only sees Jesus!  Can you imagine?  The flaws, the guilt, the sin and shame all paid for by One beautiful Man.

My friend has vowed that from now on, when she’s feeling poorly about herself, to close her eyes and see the image that was presented to her in that exercise.  I want you, my friend, to do the same.  When you’re feeling less than worthy and not so lovely, see yourself through the eyes of God, all He sees is righteousness and His love for you.  After all, while our self-view is important, His view of us is everything!

Our Prayer:

My Savior, I am eternally grateful that You gave Your life for me.  You, a beautiful, unmarred, perfect Man took my place—flawed, scarred and tattered.   I’m humbled, awestruck and thankful beyond mere words that You thought enough of me to make such an awesome and selfless sacrifice.  Help me to be reminded that Your view of me and all of Your children is flawless and filled with love. Amen