There is a wonderful hymn written by Clara H. Scott that entreats, “Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.” Subsequent verses seek for open ears, an open mind, mouth and heart to God’s desires.
This song came to mind last night as I was praying. When I sit down to read God’s Word and often while I am praying I ask God to show me what He wants me to learn or for whom He wants me to offer up prayers and petitions. I also ask God to show me where I have failed to glorify Him in my actions and to ask His forgiveness.
The Bible says that the Holy Spirit intercedes in our prayers for us in accordance with the will of God. Often I am at a loss on how to pray for someone who is near death. There are babies barely holding on to life and dear elderly friends who are frail in mind and body. Do I pray for healing or heaven to come first? I don’t always know but the Holy Spirit does know and prays for me according to God’s will. What a comfort this is.
“Open my mind, that I may read more of Thy love in word and deed; what shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead? Only for light from Thee I plead,” seeks another verse.
As I read my Bible again and again over the years certain passages become overly familiar and there are others that seem tedious, such as the accountings in Numbers, so I need new insight from God. Everything in God’s Word is of importance so I must see with new eyes the old, old story. An open mind and new eyes are only given by God.
What a blessing to read, research and understand more clearly God’s directions for my life in knowing better the faith-filled history of God’s people. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in to guide and direct me through my studies.
As our church is working our way through a major change I believe we are being attacked at our weakest sides. We have lost several elderly members quite recently and others have been waylaid by illnesses that seemingly popped up out of thin air.
Paul tells the Corinthians, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Clearly we can be attacked, confused and persecuted but the final hope is that ‘we are not destroyed.’
So I remember that God is our defender. Psalm 94:22 says, “But the LORD has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge.” I need open eyes to see this for myself. I need to know that the Lord is my defender and the defender of His church.
There is another Bible passage that tells of a great angel army sent by God to protect one of his prophets. The servant of Elisha was terrified when he saw the armed forces that were sent to capture his master but Elisha prayed that his servant’s eyes might be opened so that he too could see the angel army God had provided to keep them safe. Oh, might I always have eyes wide open so that I may see what God is doing all around me.
Open my eyes that I might see. What wonders are on this earth that I may miss every day? What do I pass by quickly and fail to see? Might there be someone who needs a kind helping hand? Or one that just needs an encouraging word? Even one that needs food and friendship which I can provide? Oh, God, open my eyes that I might see.
As I consider the words of the remaining verses of this song I do pray for open ears that I would hear God speaking to me. God speaks to me through His word, preachers, teachers and even godly friends. As my ears are opened I will understand more of God’s will for my life.
Opening my mouth to tell of God’s love and truth should be at the forefront of my life. Jesus’ final words to His disciples were, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” That’s my main job and I must have my head and heart filled with Jesus because He also said that the things that come out of a person’s mouth comes from the heart. If I want to tell of Jesus He must live in my heart.
I pray you will join with me this week in asking God to open our eyes that we might see.
ED. NOTE: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
