I’ve had it. Have you?
I think it happens to all of us at times – especially when our emotions are running high. Then I see only what I want to see. I notice only what I’m expecting, not what is actually happening. When my perception clouds the facts, I can go down a path of thinking that is not right, it is not helpful, and it is not true.
If I don’t realize what I’m doing, I can go to a dangerous place which creates havoc in my life.
So I can relate with Hagar as I read her story in Genesis. Abraham banished her and their son, Ismael, out into the desert with food and a container of water. Because she was focused on this one container of water, she felt that all hope was gone when it was empty.
She forgot all about reaching out to the Creator of all Things – who created water. His angel had spoken to her and guided her before but Hagar was in the tunnel – not looking for any way out except for death.
What? Was the well there all along and she just wasn’t seeing it? Was she so lost in despair and discouragement that she didn’t even look around? Or did God create the well for her?
We don’t know – either way, God provided for her.
And he provides for me constantly. I need to remember that because, like Hagar, there are situations where I get tunnel vision, especially when emotions are involved. When I’m lost in my incorrect thinking, I need to remember to reach out to the One who has all the answers.
Please open my eyes to your plans and provision, Abba Father.