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Keeping God In "Sight."


I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:7-8)

            Have you ever noticed that when you walk or drive, you move in the direction you're looking? That's why we're told "Keep your eyes on the road!" In Eden, Adam and Eve were tempted by the idea that they could be "like God." Their means of becoming "like God" was not to look at God, but to at (and to) the tree. Turning from the tree and going to God  about what the serpent said would have made them more like God, but they looked at the tree.
         When we set God always before ourselves, we move Godward. Of course, the way in which we move Godward, and the way that we become more like God as a result doesn't tend to be the way we want to become more like God. It's easy to be distracted by the "power" elements of who God is. Being omniscient or omnipotent might be cool. Being patient or humble like God? Those aren't as interesting, but they are necessary before omniscience or omnipotence (or even greater knowledge or power) can be safely granted.
            Especially at night, when one is effectively alone with one's troubles.[1] it's easy to play the victim. It's easy to over-emphasize one element, and de-emphasize another. Keeping God always before us is a habit we need to work on. Thinking about God and His attributes is a great way to keep Him before us. When was the last time you thought about God being patient?


[1] I know this isn't accurate, that God is with us, but I suspect we've all felt alone with our troubles.

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