Lord Jesus, the thorns and thistles of the fallen and troubled life are everywhere I turn my eyes. Some days that’s all that I can see, all that I can feel. Their sharp spines tear at me. They steal all my attention.
But I know that if I can just open my eyes, I will see there, growing amid the thorns, the fragrant blossoms and healing fruit of your unrelenting grace and indominable goodness. Open my eyes. I want to see. Of myself, I can’t tear my eyes away from what hurts me. With your help, I know I will see also what you sent to heal me. Open my eyes. I want to see it.
Like Elisha’s servant, all I can see are the horses and chariots of trouble, sickness, and death. Let the prophet’s prayer be also for me, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ (2 Kings 6:8-17)
Though I often cannot see them, I know that the horses and chariots of the fire of your love-driven resurrection of this sin-sick and broken world are even now all around. You will wipe the blinding tears from my eyes. There will be no more mourning or crying or pain anymore. This old order of things will yet pass away. You are making everything new. (Revelation 21:1-7)
O Lord, hear me. Amen.
© Gary A. Chorpenning 2026
Related posts:
Bible Note #62: Compassion & the Anger of Jesus–Mark 3:1-6
Bible Note #68: Acts 9:1-19–God’s Amazing, Undeserved Grace
Bible Note #45: Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea at the Cross–A Lenten Meditation
Bible Note #36 — Why Do the Just Suffer? — Ecclesiastes 8:14
Bible Note #42: Studies in James #1–James 1:1-4
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