Last year I had to purchase a pair of those pesky little reading glasses. They’re a sure sign that I’m getting older, and I’m reminded of that fact every time I try to read without them. My vision blurs a little, and I have to squint to focus. However, when I wear those annoying glasses, I can see clearly enough to read without a problem.

I’ve learned something similar to be true about the eyesight of my soul. When I look at circumstances through my own sight, I often become weary and worried because I can’t make sense of the messiness. However, when I filter my sight through the loving heart of Jesus, I tend to gain a bird’s eye view of my circumstances. My soul knows there’s a bigger purpose, and peace brings my sight into focus on the One who works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Suddenly, I can see what I couldn’t see before.

Over the past few weeks, circumstances have taken place that have been out of my control. And, quite frankly, I’ve been frustrated and worried. I couldn’t see how good could possibly come from any of it.

But God is faithful to reveal Himself and His handiwork.

I’ve begun to see that through those circumstances, He is teaching me to depend on Him. He’s showing me that I’m capable of far more than I’ve given myself credit for. He’s revealing to me an inner strength I wasn’t aware I had. And the big one: trust. I’m seeing that I can trust Him alone to fulfill His promises.

Will there be times when I’ll lose focus again? Sure…just like those times I remove my reading glasses and have to squint. But I now know where my soul needs to look to gain focus and perspective.