Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
On the surface the situation is dire. An army with horses and chariots surrounds the city. Yet this chapter includes a dramatic reveal. Elisha’s frightened servant has his eyes opened to reality as it is, rather than reality as he sees it: 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them' (verse 16).
It’s an important lesson. Even if we have 20:20 vision our sight is imperfect. We can tend to go through life seeing things at the surface level and assuming that’s all there is. We look at a lake and admire the sun sparkling on the surface, yet we are oblivious to the universe of life just below the surface. Who hasn’t had the experience of looking for a lost set of keys only to discover they were 'in front of our eyes' all along? Even a small shift in perspective can reveal something we missed.
Where in life are you only seeing what’s on the surface? Do you assume you can see it all? Has your vantage point become fixed or narrow? Perhaps you feel God seems absent or you cannot see the actions of God in the world? Make the words of Elisha’s prayer your own: Open my eyes that I may see.
Open our eyes that we may see. God, help us when our vision shrinks and perspective narrows. Help us today to see things as they truly are. Grant us sight of your work in the world.
This reflection was written by Stuart Noble, Bible Society’s Director of Strategic Partnerships
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