There are times in my life where I feel like God is gone, not present, at least not around me. They are terrifying lonely spaces of time in my journey where I don’t see him. These are the moments where my feelings and my mind are trying to find a solution, a formula to fix the problem and somehow summon God back like a genie in a lamp. I find myself evaluating and questioning every part of my life. Where did I take a wrong turn? Where did I break the rhythm of my prayer and devotional practices? Did I disappoint him? Are there times when you just don’t feel his presence? When you don’t see God?
The scripture is full with the spiritual metaphor of the eyes being the window or the sense of the soul. In Psalms 19 David writes “the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;.” There is this unique biblical insight that our living within Gods design gives us clear sight. Eyes that can see God.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5.8
The word “pure” in the greek language has some insight to this concept. The meaning of “pure” is “unmixed” like a metal that has no impurities or a vine pruned from all the sick and wandering limbs. It means a heart that has no corruption. When are hearts are pure they see that God has never left but is present. When the heart of a person is unmixed with other impure motives they can see God.
My brother in law has a beautiful dog named “Ebony.” What captures me about him is his eyes. The purity of his intention to be loved and accepted by his master. Do you long for him? The next time you can’t see God or cannot feel his presence, look at you heart. What motive is mixed into it? What secret sin has found its way into you life? Purge it, confess it and open your eyes to a God that is longing to love you.
Troy A Murphy 