“Nothing is lost in the sight of God” was one of my grandmother’s favorite sayings. When I couldn’t find my homework or my glasses, this was her mantra. As an adult, I have continued to remind myself of this each time I misplace my keys or more recently when our luggage did not arrive with us in Paris. I associated this phrase with things.
Recently, I am looking at it in a new way. Things are just stuff and can be replaced. God is much more concerned with who I am and my relationship with Him. He values my character, my responses, and my worship of Him. He wants me to experience the truth that I am never lost in His sight. I may lose sight of God but He will not lose sight of me. Jesus told his disciples “God knows even when a sparrow falls, and you are far more valuable than a sparrow.” Psalm 139:17,18 reminds us God’s thoughts for us are vast. He knows the longings and concerns of our hearts before we do.
When We Take Over God’s Provision
Even though I seek the Lord each morning through prayer and scripture to direct my day, I must confess my checklist often takes over. The day becomes all about how “I” will solve the challenges at hand. “I have them covered.” Of course, this means I will probably focus on the problem and may miss God’s unique provision and purpose. I forget to make room for Him to work, guide and provide. I become too busy to recognize the needs of others as well as my own.
Presented with permission of the artist.
Sometimes I treat prayer casually as if it were a magic wand to bring my will to pass. This attitude must grieve my Lord. Godly prayer is an act of submission and acknowledgment. It reveals the intent of our hearts. It also guards our heart and mind, especially when accompanied by thanksgiving. It reminds us to look up and out of ourselves to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. It is the acceptance that there may be another way. Submitted prayer puts control with Jesus, where it belongs.
My desire is for my first response to recognize that God has already provided the solution. It doesn’t come naturally. It requires giving up control. I use to pray for “my” answer to take place since I was sure it was the only logical way to solve the problem. More and more, I am asking to receive the provision or solution the Lord has waiting for me.
Turning On the Spiritual Light Switch
I want ears to hear and eyes to see the divine resolution rather than my human one. I am trying to stop, take a step back, and pray. I want to practice “being still and knowing He is God.” My prayers are beginning to change from “bless my children or loved ones” to “open their hearts and minds to receive the blessings that you, God, have already provided.”
This is a small but powerful adjustment. It is the acceptance of God working in my life as well as others. It is similar to flipping on a light switch. The electrical current is available, but it must be turned on to receive the supply of light.
Have you turned on your spiritual light switch? We all have one because we are created in God’s image. When we flip the switch from our human filter to God’s perspective, everything changes! We make room in our life to receive the promise of His desire to “do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)
God never loses sight of you or me! I hope you delight in this assurance of God’s love.
He knows you. He sees you. He loves you.
Personal Parables is the blog of Dyann Shepard. Get Dyann’s complementary study in Proverbs and prayer guide, What to Do When You Don’t Feel Good Enough. If you need encouragement to remember the truth about yourself in times of doubt and anxiety, this free 5-day study is for you. Follow Dyann and Personal Parables on Instagram and Facebook. Dyann is available for speaking, guest blogging, and article writing.
Scripture for Meditation
My grandmother’s saying, “Nothing is lost in the sight of God” is reflected in Scripture. Here are some passages and thoughts for reflection.
Thought for reflection: “Never let a problem to be solved be more important than a person to be loved.”
Luke 12:32 (NASB)
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,
Psalm 139 – God’s Omnipresence and Omniscience
Isaiah 55:8-12 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord….
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Music for Reflection
Enjoy some music that ties to my recent post, Nothing is Lost in God’s Sight.
