Corrected Vision

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in loving kindness to all who call upon You. Psalm 86:5 (New American Standard Bible)

Our ability to approach others is affected by our perception of them. If I believe a person accepts me and enjoys my company I will readily move toward them. There will be confidence, good eye contact, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy conversation. Joy and delight will mark our time together. But if I perceive they are disappointed in me, don’t like me, or are irritated with me, I will usually avoid making contact. If we do spend time together there will be lack of connection, avoidance of eye contact, a guardedness, and very limited conversation. Uneasiness will mark our encounter.

My ability to connect with God works much the same way. If I view Him as a harsh judge, critical, uncaring, and merely tolerating me, I will find it difficult to approach Him. Meeting with Him will either be rushed or avoided all together. Openness and delight will not mark my prayer life…..if I even attempt a prayer life. His invitation to draw near will be viewed with suspicion and disbelief. He will not be the One I feel comfortable with alone.

The words of Psalm 86:5 assure me that God is far different than that. I relax with the realization that God is good, pleasant, and agreeable. He readily displays favour, kindness, mercy, and goodness. The One who forgives me does so willingly and cheerfully, not grudgingly. His invitation to draw near is given with open arms and joy.

I am asking myself why I have held both these views of God at one time or another. For decades it was the first view and for a few years now it has been the second one. I am seeing three things that aided my misperceptions. Authority figures in my life, Satan’s lies, and very little time in the Word. Putting someone else’s face on God and not knowing the truth to counter the lies set me up for huge struggles and hindrances in having an intimate, close relationship with my heavenly Father.

Oh, but that changed radically when God began to allow the truth of Himself to soak in. It came in stages. First He crossed my path with individuals who knew the truth about Him and lived out of that truth. Then He caused me to begin seeing the truth for myself in His Word. It has affected EVERY area of my Christian life and I dance in joy because of it!

Father, I long for others to know the truth about You. I am burdened for Your many children who are still unaware of what You are really like. Use me to help correct their vision and view of Yourself. Amen.