“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16 NKJV

Two weeks ago, I finally gave up and went to the eye doctor. I have been using reading glasses for a while, but noticed that my distance vision (which had always been very good) was getting progressively worse. Argh! I couldn’t read road signs as well and things were just a bit blurry. So I went. I knew I had probably waited too long when, after I had my eyes checked, the doctor asked if I had driven myself to the office. So I ended up with dreaded bifocals (actually progressive lenses). I picked them up last week and WOW! I can’t believe how clear everything is now.

Instead of our woods just being brown trunks with green leaves, I can actually see the leaf shapes and identify the kind of tree. I can see the lichen and moss on the trunks and the beautiful patterns they make. I can see the snapping turtle in the pond and not just a brown blur in the water. I can see all the small colorful toadstools on the forest floor after a rain. I knew I had gone far too long without being able to see all these fine details of God’s creation.

This experience started me thinking about how we can see God more clearly. One way is to observe His creation. We are able to “see” some of His qualities. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they (we) are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

We can also look at Jesus in the New Testament to see God more clearly. In John 14:9 Jesus says, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” Jesus personified God for us; He is our example of how to see God.

The third way to see God more clearly is to read His Word. Our verse today tells us that all scripture is God inspired. (I love the “God-breathed” translation, too.) I have attended Bible studies and Sunday school, but I had never read through the entire Bible. My husband has done it for several years, using different translations, and then returning to his favorites. He challenged me to try it, even though I was wary because there seemed to be so much that is “extraneous” or hard to read (or so I thought).

I started about 3 years ago. It was an eye opener, literally. Reading the Bible in order gave me a clearer understanding of not only the history of God’s people and the importance of their story in our story; but it gave me a clearer picture of God. God loved us so much that He planned for our salvation from the very beginning. He knew we were flawed and sinful from the start. God wants to be close to us, His creation. The “fierce” God of the Old Testament was simply trying to draw His people back to Him. There are still parts that are difficult to read; lists of names and generations, who begat whom, the many kings of Israel and Judah, and the families of the twelve tribes.

But each year I choose a different “plan” for reading the “Bible in a year”. I love to use one with a commentary or devotional section that gives insights on the day’s readings. They usually mix some Old and New Testament and Proverbs and Psalms, so that it isn’t too much of any one thing. Every year there seems to be a new story or twist or point that I missed the previous times. God is revealing Himself to me a little at a time as I read His word.

This week try to see God more clearly in His word, in His creation, and in His Son, Jesus. Let Him “speak” to you and reveal Himself and His love for you.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we try to see God more clearly.