Seeing through the eyes of the Holy Spirit

In preparation for time with my heavenly Father, the sun began to shine through my bedroom curtains, and everyone in the house had left for work. My soul was hungry for this intimate time. On this day, at the end of my prayer time, I invited the Holy Spirit to open my eyes wide so that I may see what he wanted me to see and for my listening ears to pay close attention to what he needed me to hear. I asked him to place people in my path so I might listen to his whispers, ending with, “May your will be done, not mine.”

I was waiting at a red light on a frequently traveled road that morning. My eyes were drawn to a window of a three-story building as three young children with backpacks walked past. I noticed closed curtains, a Beware of Dog sign, and a security camera in the first-floor window. The second-floor apartment window was also completely covered with a political sign that included a curse word and a politician's name. My mind quickly went to those children who travel and walk daily and see this. Then I noticed the 3rd-floor window. There were no curtains, and it was beautifully decorated with flowers and an angel statue. I realized the Holy Spirit was speaking to me through this visual display. Why didn’t I ever see this before?

I entered the convenience store to get my morning coffee and breakfast sandwich. While waiting for my order to be ready, a voice in my head was urging me to ask the girl behind the counter what her tattoo had said. When I thanked her for my order, I inquired about her tattoo. It was a beautiful lotus flower, with the words creating its stem. She told me it said, "You will have tough times, and God will always see you through them."

The awareness that was revealed to me that morning has been tugging at my heart for a week now. What was the Holy Spirit saying to me? What did he need me to see? When I arrived at work that morning, I quickly wrote down a few thoughts running through my mind deep down in my soul. When you desire what is righteous, for God’s purpose, not of your own desires, he never fails to answer and give precious moments like this.

Here is what I wrote and God’s word that spoke into these areas for me.

Window #1: Seeks protection – Fearful
a. Seek God’s Protection: Turn to God in prayer and don’t rely only on the protection of man.
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

b. Protect yourself with Scripture: Be more mindful of protecting your heart and soul than of the things that will perish.

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Window #2: Desire to be seen and heard – Expressive
a. Serve Christ
Romans 14:1 - “Accept the one whose faith is weak; without quarreling over disputable matters.”
Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

b. Serve Others as Christ has shown us. Be more devoted to one another than our longing. Cease damaging relationships for self-expression and self-importance, which causes others to hurt and crush self-worth. 
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

We all want to be heard and have a voice, but is it for personal gain or for the gain of God’s kingdom?

Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Window #3: Intimacy with God – Praying
a. Faith is essential in our relationship with God
Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I tell you; whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

b. Declare God’s Grace and Will
Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

 
What are you doing to enhance your spiritual relationship with your Creator to hear his Holy Spirit whisper and see as the Holy Spirit desires you to see?

To keep from distractions:

1.      Take care of chores beforehand so you can concentrate and give God your full attention.

2.      Create a time of personal space for God once a day. (Preferably, start your day this way.) Give yourself boundaries to keep that time and space a priority. Silence your phone for that brief time. Stay away from distractions the best you can. Wake up extra early if you have children or morning obligations.)

3.      Pray for protection from the world's standards and views. When you step upon an unwanted distraction, take a second to acknowledge that God is present and that his Holy Spirit is occupying space within you.

4.      Throughout your day, set boundaries for yourself. If you are in a bad place, don’t volunteer to take care of someone else. You don’t need to explain your situation. You don’t have to be a savior during every crisis. You’ll know if it feels right.

5.      You are allowed to walk away or remove yourself from what you hear and see if you are able. Excuse yourself to go to the bathroom if someone is talking negatively and isn’t going in a positive direction. Find creative ways to transition and let go.

READ: Acts 10:1-48

Cornelius and Peter (The Holy Spirit Speaks and gives vision to those who seek him.)