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Perspective: More by Faith, Less by Sight
In these sequestered days, I find myself more encouraged than discouraged. As I shared in my post last week, I'm rarely bothered with having more time at home. Canceled plans are less of an annoyance than undecided ones. The whether-to-or-not seems more of a burden than if the answer is mandated.
Yet, even though we are to remain at a distance from one another, there are times when exposure is necessary. There are still decisions to be made about when and how to go meet the essential needs of family and friends without direct contact. It's still placing ourselves in the line of fire with an invisible enemy.
So, why do I have peace about going into public for any reason during this uncertain time? As much as I follow the guidelines and remain at home as much as possible, I still have to buy milk. I still have to bring my son to his job at the grocery store. Why am I--who does suffer from anxiety--not afraid?
I've lived my life knowing there has always been an invisible enemy.
More essential, I've lived my life believing in an invisible spiritual Father, Friend, and Counselor.
The subtitle of this post comes from a hymn. My husband and I spent much of our Saturday recording this hymn and two others for our church's online Sunday service. As I sang this one, I realized we don't often sing the second verse. My perspective based on our current world events sharpened with the realization that believing in an invisible God helps me see His visible blessings. Let the words of this hymn encourage you to learn more about God's ways as we face this uncertain time together.
1 Teach me thy way, O Lord; teach me thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford; teach me thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight;
lead me with heav’nly light; teach me thy way!
2 When I am sad at heart, teach me thy way!
When earthly joys depart, teach me thy way!
In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress,
in failure or success, teach me thy way!
3 When doubts and fears arise, teach me thy way!
When storms o'erspread the skies, teach me thy way!
Shine thro' the cloud and rain, thro' sorrow, toil, and pain;
make thou my pathway plain; teach me thy way!
4 Long as my life shall last, teach me thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast, teach me thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey’s done,
until the crown is won, teach me thy way!
Source: Trinity Psalter Hymnal #530
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.