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Open My Eyes


          You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. (Psalm 139:1-6)

          Can you imagine someone being so intimately connected to your life that they can be said to have searched you? What comes to mind when you think of someone who knows you well enough to know when you’re likely to sit or stand? How often do we want people to know us well enough to not have to be told what we want or need them to do? While we aren’t fond of people who speak for us, don’t we love having someone who seems to be on the same wavelength with our thoughts? And is there anyone who wouldn’t like to have a hero, a knight in shining armor who protects and defends him/her? Is there anyone who doesn’t want a hand on their shoulder (or a hug) when they’re down, or a pat on the back when they’ve done well?
          Today begins one of several annual cycles for me (Yeah, yeah, thanks.) As I look at these few verses, I find myself wondering what it would be like if I consciously experienced the spiritual reality described. Some of us actively doubt or reject these words, but I think for most of us, it’s more passive. We read them, say “Yeah, yeah, thanks,” and go on our way. We may not say, “It’s not true!” but we don’t live in its truth.
          At least, I know I struggle with it. One of my repeated prayers of late has been to open my eyes, that I may see His hand at work in the world around me. I don’t often and I’m sure that it’s not because He’s not working. I’m too preoccupied. I don’t see what is more than likely right in front of my face. And I suspect I’m not alone in that faulty vision.
          Lord, open my eyes. Let me see, and consciously experience the truth of this psalm.

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