Lent, a Season of Hope: Preparing Our Hearts for Easter, Day 17
2 Corinthians 4:17
“ … while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
As a young girl, I had a few dreams: to be a model, to major in home economics in college, perhaps teach, marry either a baseball player or military officer, have children, own a beautiful colonial-styled home and live happily ever after. In fact, many of those dreams did come true except for the modeling part and the home economics part, unless you count that I have majored in cooking, decorating, sewing and running a household for over fifty-five years! Fulfilling our dreams, however, doesn’t necessarily mean “happily ever after.”
Jesus didn’t promise that happiness in this life would be guaranteed. We work hard to pursue happiness and contentment and often wind up feeling empty. It wasn’t until my own perspective on life, happiness, and contentment included the Lord and eternity that I realized how very narrow and microscopic my perspective was and that I had set myself up for disappointment. Having an eternal perspective has helped me see God’s broader view, to see things with His “vision.”
What does that really look like and how can it change our lives? It means looking at things through a different lens—not through the lens of a romantic fantasy; not through the television or a newscaster’s lens; not through the lens of a Hollywood movie or a movie star’s lens. Our spiritual eyes would see the world through the lens of God’s Word. Our lives would be viewed through Christ’s eyes, seeing things that matter to Him, not the things that appear to be of importance to the world—more money, bigger houses, nicer clothes, smarter investments, greater status. The opinions of others would matter less; obeying God and pleasing Him would matter more. With His vision we can trust that He is working out His plan for our best and we can truly live a full life of contentment.
Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your all-sufficiency. Thank You, dear God, that we can trust in Your Holy Spirit that gives us spiritual eyes to see Your vision for our lives. Remind us once again what your Word tells us that the things of this earth are temporary but the things unseen are eternal. Help us to be filled with joy in You and content in the life You have planned out for us. As the old hymn says, “Be Thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart.” In Your powerful name. Amen.
– painting by Carey Watson
