Many people love to spend time outside in the winter, but when surrounded by snow on a bright, sunny day the light can be blinding. If we put on our polarized sunglasses, we can suddenly see things we couldn’t see before. Polarized lenses minimize the glare caused by the light reflecting off the snow and protect our eyes from permanent damage. Similarly, when we’re excited about the potential of a new dating relationship, we need extra help to discern the truth.
When you are dating, you can be blinded by the bright possibilities of new relationships. It’s so exciting, and the new person seems so nice and looks so good. If you fail to put on your “relational sunglasses,” you may miss what’s right in front of you and become vulnerable to the wrong guys. Without protective glasses, it’s easy to miss what’s really true.
Jesus taught His disciples to discern the truth. He warned his disciples about people who don’t seek spiritual truths: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand” (Matthew 13:13). In contrast, the disciples did search for the things of God, and Jesus said to them, “Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear” (verse 16).
Seeking Christ to Discern the Truth
Like the disciples, we too need to seek Christ and the truths of Scripture so that we have eyes that see clearly.
One way to seek the truth is to pray. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of truth—will guide us and show us what we might be missing. While we can’t see everything, God can and He will reveal what we need to know. He gives us this promise in Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”
The best advice I can offer is to take time on a regular basis to stop, pray, read Scripture, and reflect on your life. Otherwise, you’re likely to miss something important.
Praying to Discern the Truth
What seems like many years ago, I was dating someone I really liked. It was going so well that my friends teased that I might want to subscribe to the latest bridal magazine. As the months passed, I knew I was becoming more and more attached. One day I wrote in my journal, Lord, if this relationship is not of you, please show me.
Two days later this man called to say he really didn’t see our relationship working out long term. He thought it best to end it now. I was shocked. And then I remembered my prayer. I admit I didn’t expect God to give me such a quick and firm answer. Although I ached for weeks over the breakup, I knew God was protecting my heart and my future.
I was thankful that God allowed me to see and recognize His involvement and realize He was keeping me safe.
Warmly,
Georgia Shaffer
P.S. Today’s content was adapted from 12 Smart Choices for Finding the Right Guy. If you’d like to read more, you can purchase your copy of the book here. https://georgiashaffer.com/shop/books/12-smart-choices-for-finding-the-right-guy/
Or if you prefer to work with a coach as you work to overcome difficult habits, you can find out more information at www.GeorgiaShaffer.com/coaching/
Scripture:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 (ESV).
