PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• One of the dangerous things about being my friend is that you never know when one of our conversations may end up being inspiration for something I write. Such is the case this morning.
Last night, I was talking to a friend about some work stuff I’m doing for her, and then we turned the conversation to her weekend. While hiking with her sons, she realized (after the fact) there were some warning signs that outlined rules they were all breaking. Some pretty strict rules. Thankfully, no one got into trouble, but she said, “I didn’t know! We completely missed the sign!”
I get it. I’ve had similar experiences. It’s commonly assumed that writers are good observers but the truth is, I can be completely clueless sometimes. I can totally miss the warning signs. I can zone out during the rules. And for all that I can’t stand hanging on the phone listening to prompts to press this button for this and that button for that—I’ll inevitably have to listen to the prompts a minimum of three times because I don’t pay attention.
Sometimes, we all miss the obvious. It’s staring us right in the face. And after we realize it, we wonder how in the world we missed it.
In Psalm 119:105, it says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (KJV). The Bible is our life manual and anything and everything we could ever need is outlined in the book.
Yet, we sometimes overlook things. And then, when we discover things, we sit back in awe. Sometimes, it’s about God not revealing truths until we’re spiritually mature enough to grasp it. And other times, it’s just pride and willfulness that overlooks truths that are blatantly clear.
I think of Jesus’ parables. In Matthew 13:10, the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables. Jesus answered, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13:11,13 ESV).
Jesus’ parables are simple stories with rich, deep, and complex truths tucked within them. His words were (and still are) impactful and full of wisdom to those who are open to His truth. Those who are close-minded do not understand. They miss His point.
But when we let God’s Word into our hearts, our understanding becomes clear. Like a light illuminating our paths, they help us to see Him more clearly and know Him more.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for His beautiful and enduring messages that still teach us so much. Thank Him that His word is timeless. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you have the spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear the Truth that shines before you.
