Zoom in for the Planet

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:23-24

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” “Let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 4:12; 12:1

The clear pale of long moments before dawn was suddenly distinguished by almost imperceptible rays of a sun yet unseen. Gaze, gaze, gaze longer and see the pin dot of planet, suspended and bright, between the trees, soon to disappear in the light of morning. Watching on the stop and still discovers wonders otherwise concealed.

It takes time to visually define the reach of rays. It takes time to outline the edges of planets. It takes time to hear still small voices well, and gladly. The more quickly we cruise through moments, the more cursory our glance, the brighter we let cares and urgencies burn, the more we miss what is revealed in the dark. Skimming into and along our days fades sin’s pinpricks from our eyes, though they still work their insidious destruction. The devil would blind us from seeing and dealing with his handiwork. (1 Kings 19:11-13; Mark 12:37b)

One way to investigate enemy footholds is to immerse ourselves in the holy Scriptures, honestly undergoing the microscope of God’s righteous standard. His word, like a searchlight, exposes habits and attitudes we would rather keep hidden, and washes them in bright, healing grace. Conviction is always worth the truth about our sin and Christ’s mercy that sets us free. (Psalm 119:130; John 8:31-32; 16:8; Ephesians 5:13-14; 1 John 1:5-9)

Another way is to take committed time- with no timer ticking- to bow before the Almighty in confession. Begin with worship of His highness and perfection. This exalts our sights and fills us with light that then shows up how and where we fall short. Name the rebellion, the lust, the secret activities and mental entertainment. Speak the jealousies and sloth and uncharitable thoughts and snippy responses. We cannot skim over this important work of confession if we are to be wholehearted in our devotion to Christ Jesus. Genuine repentance is the key to a healthy spiritual compass-reset and direction forward. (Psalm 32:5; 51:2; Proverbs 28:13; Micah 7:18-19; Hebrews 10:22)

Do we prefer superficial spirituality where we relish sunshine but never see the exquisite details of God’s intent? What causes us to miss identifying the foreign planets that orbit and affect our souls, and prevents us from soaking in the open-armed rays of God’s cleansing? When will we make and take time to allow God to zoom in to shine in and on us? (Numbers 6:24-26)

“Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

Lord, search deeply my innermost heart, and permeate the whole sphere of my life so I reflect Your righteousness and glory.