The Eyes Have It

As I’m journeying toward developing a “Hallelujah” perspective in 2019, I’ve come to realize that my eyes will have a huge impact as to whether or not I’m able to say at the end of the year, that I knew the Lord’s bounty- his reward, his gift, his plenty, his extravagant riches that are mine in Christ Jesus (Psalm 65:11, Ephesians 1:3).

While my goal is to view life through a lens of praise, if I’m honest, it’s not always the first thing I do. It’s certainly not the easiest. My gaze is often diverted to other people, to circumstances, and to the things this world says are important and valuable. It’s why Psalm 119: 36-37 makes repeat appearances as a prayer index card in my journal-

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

When I let my eyes become fixated on worthless things, it usually leads to a trap of comparison that results in discontent and grumbling instead of praise. My focus shifts to “I have-not” instead of “God has.”

Here are some questions that help me recognize I need a lens adjustment:

• Has someone else’s possessions left me feeling like I lack?
• Has another’s relationship left me feeling invisible and lonely?
• Has another’s success left me feeling incompetent and unvalued?
• Has another’s physical appearance left me feeling undesirable and anything but wonderfully made?
• Has another’s circumstance left me short-changed in the blessing department?

When left unchecked, my eyes give the enemy an opportunity to replace God’s truth with a lie. This robs me of the abundance that is mine in Christ. (John 10:10)

In these moments-

I pray the Holy Spirit will remind me to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

I pray I’ll allow God’s truth to reform my thoughts-

• Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. (Luke 12:15)
• I am chosen. (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9)
• I was created for good works on purpose. (Ephesians 2:10; Jeremiah 29:11)
• I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
• I am blessed indeed! (Proverbs 3:33; 2 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 1:3)

The wisdom of Proverbs reminds me that it’s important to reset  both my eyes and my thoughts on God to find my measure.

Proverbs 16:11 says that the one who holds a just and balanced scale is God alone.

“Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making. The Amplified version reads, “A just balance and [honest] scales are the Lord’s; All the weights of the bag are His concern [established by His eternal principles].”

So today I’m asking myself, if God is the one who has the correct scale, why oh why am I looking so many other places to find my measure? When I look anywhere other than Him, I’m headed for an incorrect balance!

Remind me today Lord God to set my eyes on You. According to your perfect scale, you have given me life-  in Jesus- abundant and full!

Accompanying “The Eyes Have It”- Prayer Index Cards