Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119.18 NLT
I recently watched a movie described on Netflix as “teen scream.” It was mostly silliness, but in several key scenes I noticed that my wife had hid her face in a pillow or behind a blanket, even as my daughter made fun of her. The reason for the eye-shield was obvious; I did not need to ask. My wife knew whatever was “next” would not be something she wanted to see. It would be scary.
I think we often approach God’s word in the same manner. We close our eyes so we don’t have to face things in our lives that deeply trouble us. God’s word is said to operate at the most secret place of our being, the place where all the stuff too scary to look upon is tucked away. We think, perhaps, if we don’t open our “inner” eyes the frightening may just disappear with the next change of the scene.
Of course this is not true, the scary things in our lives do not go away like the monsters under our bed if we just pull the covers over our head. This line in the song is actually an announcement of the return of day, not a call to peer into the heart of darkness.
Imagine what it would be like to squeeze your eyes tight in terror only to be gently, but firmly, informed by a trusted loved one that there is no reason to fear. You cast a furtive peek from the smallest slit possible and to your delight the oppression of the past is erased by the instructed present. No longer will uncertainty and the unknown rule in ugly terror. The way ahead is illumined and directly in front. There is no creeper lurking behind a partially opened door, nothing to startle from the shadows of the dim corner. Only wonderful, applicable, truth. Truth you may have missed previously because you could not see it, but you know in the same way you know the best way to eliminate the suspense of the moment is to flip the light switch on to reveal the contents of a room.
So why stumble around in the dark, knowing evil is prowling when all we must do is ask our Lord to raise up our face from the pillow or to remove the blanket and introduce us to His wonderful truth?
TheNarrowRoadPursued 
This is an excellent word, and really ministered to heart. Thank you for posting!
Thanks so much. I am honored God encouraged you. Keep your eyes open!
Reblogged this on A Study In the Word and commented:
This post really blessed my heart! So, I wanted to share it, enjoy!
Thanks, Bob, for a great insight. Your “movie night” opener reminded my of a childhood experience. My Dad was not a TV person really, but somehow my brother and I got him to agree to watch a monster movie on a late night Chicago broadcast – “Frankenstein.” Ordinarily such a movie would have been too terrifying for me to watch alone, but I recall the serenity and security – despite the monster and monster circumstances – because our Father was there with us. Life still can be pretty “monstrous” at times….but what peace and security know the Our Father in Heaven is there right beside us, keeping us secure. – Blessings, Bruce Peters
Dr. Peters,
My little diddy compares not at all to the songs you write. Thanks for taking the time to read and know you are in my heart as you walk the valley our Lord is leading you through. I look forward to sharing breakfast with you soon.