There is much beauty to be experienced while living out of the identities God created us to be. He calls us to be people who are after his own heart, which means loving him and those around us as he loves us.

Through Jesus’ example, we realize that love isn’t easy. Sometimes it’s messy and requires a great deal of sacrifice on our part. It requires us to deny ourselves of some pieces in our life that work against it. People, jobs, commitments – all of these though potentially innocent by themselves may not allow us to see the hope that lies ahead of us because they cloud our field of vision.

In the list of the work, this beauty is found. It’s those glimpses of light that show us who God is and lead us to the steadfast pursuit of a relationship with Him. When we don’t know the days ahead or the next steps to take, He directs our path. When we’re feeling trapped or inadequate, he tells us to walk in freedom. And when the sin of today or yesterday keeps us from feeling like we can seek the voice of God, He reminds us we are forgiven.

No matter our circumstance, there is hope to be found by praying to the very source of hope himself. When we turn our eyes away from the things that cloud our vision, we see the source of light that promises love in the end and fights until we find it. Praying for this clarity guides us into restoration as our trust builds and His light reveals how much we really are loved and adored.

Application

Adapted from the old Irish hymn, “Be Thou My Vision,” pray these words as a prayer of hope to the Father. Use them as words to call upon the hope we have in Jesus to provide for us no matter our circumstances. In good times and bad times, let these words allow us to move forward to love one another and love our Father.

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Go Deeper Resources

Create your own anthem. Write a short chorus or verse that outlines your own journey of trusting in God. How has God shown you that you can trust him? What are the barriers to trust you hope to overcome? What are the benefits to you trusting? Include these questions in your lyrics and commit to speaking or singing them daily as a reminder that God can be trusted.