Seeing Dimly

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.

Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am known.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV

For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].

1 Corinthians 13:12 AMPC

But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

1 Corinthians 8:3 NKJV

I am fully known by God!

One day, God will be fully known by me!

On this side of heaven, one sees God through the filters of this world, filters that portray His image dimly. Layer upon layer, life can create an ill-defined depiction of our Father in heaven. The imagery painted by religion turns many away from the love of God. Heart-ache that comes through our experiences incites us to blame God; hurt, we distance ourselves from Him instead of running to His side to find comfort. Downcast, another layer forms over our mental image of God’s reality. When hope is shattered, the shadows increase, diminishing our perspective of the Father’s heart. Befuddled by sin, a wall like haze was built causing us to hold a dim reflection of the Almighty.

BUT, ONE DAY, we will see clearly the glorious presence of God - face to face!

Hallelujah!

In the mean time, God sees us. He knows us - fully! And He doesn’t run away. The Father builds no wall to divide us from His presence. His arms stretch out toward those who love Him. The heart of the Father says, “Come.” He knows us, and calls us by name. He knew what we did in secret, and what we did for the whole world to see. He was with us yesterday. Walks with us today. He knows our tomorrow. In light of our failures; His love never fails. God knows us fully, and still, He longs for our presence. May our hearts rejoice in this truth! He sees us - EVERYTHING ABOUT US, and He has never left our side. We are loved by Him - unconditionally!

Sin caused the glass to dim; however, through the love of the Father, the obedience of the Son, and tenacity of the Spirit, the cross made a way for redemption, wiping away our sin, spot-free in Christ, that we may fully see God one day.

Clearly, we do not need to hide, nor run from God. God knows. He sees. ALL.

Still, He stays! God is for us! His love never fails, no matter what we do, God remains the same.

We are never abandoned, but embraced evermore.

We are fully known by God - EVERYTHING ABOUT US - still, He desires us.

How amazing is the Father’s love for us!

For now, in part, we see dimly.

Yet … one day…God will be fully known by those who love Him!

Prayer

Father,

You have searched me, Lord, and You know me.

You know when I sit and rise: You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like day, for darkness is as light to You. For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!   Psalm 139:1-18 NIV

I am known by You.

How great is Your love. Your heart never fails. You know me, and still You love me. Many times, I have not loved myself; for this I repent. I have doubted, not believing ALL of Your promises are for me. Hesitant, I have chosen less, for that is how I saw myself; however, today, I choose to embrace ALL You desire for me. I lay down my “less than” mentality and pick up Your “more than” promise for me. In Christ, I am more than enough.

Renew me, Lord.

In the authority given to me through Christ, I sweep my heart clean of any self-loathing and less than mentality. I close every door I opened to the enemy of my soul; breaking every agreement I have made with the accuser. I am not less than. Through the eyes of Christ, I am the head and not the tail. In Christ, I am more. Pure. Spotless. Perfect in His image.

Fill me afresh, Father, with Your unconditional love, consuming the void within. I choose to agree with with Your Holy Word. In awe, I embrace Your “more than” promises for me.

Thank You, Savior, for Your steadfast love - never has it failed.

I gleefully anticipate the moment we look upon one another - face to face!

Until that time, I am abundantly blessed knowing Your gaze is fixed upon me.

Though now, in part, I see Your heart dimly, I am forever grateful the heart of God beats for me!

Thank you, Father!

Amen!