Every year at one of the schools where I taught, the local police would hold an event to teach kids about the dangers of driving intoxicated. The students’ favorite part of the day was when they got the “intoxication goggles” out. The googles would so distort the kids’ vision that they were no longer able to walk a straight line. After the kids had fun and laughed at each other’s attempts to walk, the seriousness of trying to drive in that state had an impact as they were asked to consider the wrecked car the police brought. Having distorted vision can cause great damage and pain – even crippling or ending a life.
Because of our fallen state, we all have vision distorted by sin. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT) We all have distorted goggles that were put on us by this broken world. It affects how we see ourselves, others, and God. It can cripple and stall our lives.
If you were ever rejected or abandoned, you may see a God who will not be there for you.
If you have been betrayed by someone you love, you may believe God does not value or completely love you.
If you had people in your life that bullied or even abused you, you may believe even God intends no good for you.
Those distortions come from the part of our mind and soul that are trapped in the broken pain of the past. Our goggles are made by the words, actions, and pain of others. They make us stagger away from the abundant path God prepared for us. They make us see God, and how He looks at us, incorrectly.
I hurt with you over whatever it is that is distorting your vision of the beloved child of God that you are, in whom He is already pleased. I want to give you hope that if you are struggling with how God sees you, you can know without any distortions.
First, read scriptures with a focus on the positive things God says to His children. Look for scriptures Like Zephaniah 3:17 where it talks about God’s delight in you. Underline those words and breathe them in.
Next, breathe them back out to God in prayer. For example, in Zephaniah, you could pray, “Thank you for exulting over me with great joy. Help my soul to feel Your love for me today.”
Lastly, spend time sitting silently with God. Allow Him to breathe into you the way He sees you. He wants so much for you to know.
God is waiting to remove your distorted goggles. He wants you to know the great love He has for you. He wants you to know He is always there and is always wanting good for you. Allow Him to clear your vision today.
I hope today’s message touched your heart, increased your understanding, and encouraged you. Praying the peace and comfort of Christ Jesus on your life.