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“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV)  “My son give me your heart and let your eyes observe my ways.” Proverbs 23:26 (ESV)

Ever had one of those days when you wanted to rest your eyes for just a few minutes? Lots of computer work, air blowing in my face from my fan, and I was left with tired, dry eyes. I desperately needed some relief. So as my feet maneuvered on the treadmill, I closed my eyes for a moment. Weirdest thing happened – even though I was holding onto the hand bars, I felt my body swaying off balance. Never realized how a slight change in my vision would alter my steps.

Healthy vision and coordination go hand in hand. Vision impairment, especially peripheral vision, can increase the risk of falls. Exactly what I was feeling in those few moments of eye rest on the treadmill. Note to self:  Don’t do that again. Staying focused, eyes wide open serves me well.

Scripture has a lot to say about our vision physically, spiritually and the role it plays in keeping us balanced and moving in the right lane. Problem is we don’t always land there. We often allow our focus to drift and become totally preoccupied with less than. We sometimes lose sight of God’s eternal perspective especially when life hits hard or failure looms big. End result, we can easily fall if our eyes are not balanced on the word of God.

So if you find yourself swaying…..here’s a few nuggets from God’s word aimed to bring you back into alignment:

Proverbs 4:25 – 27 instructs us to let our eyes look straight ahead and our gaze straight before us

Matthew 6:22 – 23 reminds us that the eye is the lamp of the body. If our eye is healthy, our whole body will be full of light. If our eye is unhealthy, our whole body will be full of darkness.

Psalm 119:37 compels us to not zero our focus (vision) on worthless things.

2 Kings 6:17 invited Elisha’s servant’s eyes to be opened and see God’s presence.

Ephesians 1:18 encourages us to have the eyes of our heart enlightened so that we will recognize God’s hope and His glorious inheritance.

Psalm 32:8 is a beautiful reminder that God will instruct and counsel us in the way we should go and His eye is upon us.

Psalm 34:15  births deep inspiration that God’s eyes are on the righteous and His ears toward their cry.

Beautiful words of pivotal truths yet its intent is more than sight – it’s compelling us to see the value in healthy vision aligned with God’s word. Vision in Scripture often symbolizes moral vigilance and our heart’s orientation toward God. It’s a settled intentionality that desires openness to God’s divine wisdom and truth. It’s a posture of a surrendered heart desiring God’s plan and calling versus our own.

Bottom line – healthy vision is crucial to ensuring we don’t miss God’s purposes or dismiss His goodness. So even when we are exhausted, weary and disillusioned, we can ask for God to illuminate our eyes to His hope, promises and redemption. Healthy vision rooted in faith never disappoints.

“Father, keep my eyes fixed and focused on You. Align my heart with your plans and help my vision to stay pure and undefiled by this world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life