In past posts I’ve mentioned Matthew 6 where Jesus speaks strongly about how important it is to “see” and how devastating it is when we don’t see clearly. “The eye is the lamp of the body…” (Matthew 6:22ff).

Without a doubt, if our “eyesight” is “poor” and our view of God is distorted, it impacts everything!

People in secular society have many interesting—and often false—impressions of God: a mystical wizard, a gentle old man who provides comfort for weak people, a cosmic wish-giver, and so forth. Needless to say, if our view of God reflects these or other perceptions, our confidence in God will waver depending on that view or the situation we find ourselves in.

Consider these words from Isaiah 40:10-17, from The Message translation.

Do we view God as the maker of the heavens and earth? Do we view Him both with power and with a shepherd’s heart, who hugs His sheep (us) to his chest? Imagine: both power and love residing perfectly in our God who cares for us. Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life” (Matthew 6:26,27).

What are images or beliefs about God that leave you to living with a lack of confidence or hope? Are there aspects of God seen in Isaiah 40:10-17 that cause you to have more confidence? Remember that Jesus is God who came in the flesh. What aspects of who you know Jesus to be give you greater courage to face life?