My Vision

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

There is a famous Irish hymn entitled, “Be Thou My Vision.” One of the most moving worship experiences I have ever had was watching as Christian singer/songwriter Ginny Owens, who has been blind since she was a toddler, offered these words up to her Heavenly Father:

Be Though 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.”

To say she understands these lyrics on another level would be an understatement. “Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.” Can you imagine awaking in the morning, opening your eyes, and still being enclosed in darkness? Eyes open, eyes closed…there is no difference, just darkness.

Those who are blind experience this darkness physically ever day of their lives. The truth is, however, that we all experience this spiritually without the light of Christ. His presence is our only light in the blackness of our sin. His light brings vision, opening the eyes of our hearts to see the beauty of the Gospel.

The hymn continues with these words:

“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise

Thou mine inheritance, now and always

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.”

Can you say, with honesty and conviction, that Christ is first in your heart? Is He your greatest treasure? When we live by faith, and not by sight, as 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, we will treasure the eternal over the temporary. We will choose the narrow path over the wide one, believing that Jesus is worth any earthly sacrifice.

Dear Lord, when there is so much I could be looking to for guidance and light, help me to look to you first, for you are the only light that will guide me down the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name, amen.