I had to have cataracts removed from both of my eyes when I was only 62 years old. I began to realize that I was not seeing well in bright sunlight and at night. I was concerned about my own safety as well as others when I was driving. It was a gradual deterioration but finally became obvious to me. The surgery was successful and my lenses were replaced and I can see pretty clearly without glasses now. Corrective glasses give me 20/20 vision.

We have entered the year 2020 and of course one of the things that comes to my mind immediately is that I want to have 20/20 vision, not just physically but spiritually as well. We have been in a season where many things that were once sharp or clearly considered right or wrong have been blurred. Because it has been so gradual, at least up until the last few years, we have not been aware of how far we have strayed from the plumb line of God’s truth.

Regularly meditating upon God’s word is one of the main ways to keep your spiritual vision sharp. Developing intimacy with the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth, will keep your life in a place of no compromise. When we know His voice, He will always speak to us if we are veering off the path even slightly. Having a love for truth ensures that what you see and hear will line up with His will for your life.

If there ever was a time to cry out to the Lord for His leading and guidance, it is now. We have so many voices speaking to us and if we do not know the voice of our Shepherd, we will be led astray. Watered down Christianity, compromised morals, ignorance of God’s word and His ways can cause any one of us to stray from the path that leads to life.

Finding others who also desire to walk in the light is probably one of the most important things that we actively need to pursue this year. You may be or have been part of a fellowship/church for many years and have dear friends there, but if there has been compromise and worldliness creep in, it is time to find brothers and sisters with whom you can feel confident that they also desire to walk in the truth. We really need each other. This is not the time to withdraw from fellowship because those who you have been with are no longer walking in the same direction. If they will not repent and desire to continue in a compromising lifestyle, it is time to pursue new relationships.

Although I have a pastor and belong to a church that does have a love for the truth I also have others I have come to know who also feel the same way. Some of my dearest friends today do not live in this area of the country. Our fellowship and accountability comes from regular times of interaction mostly on our phones. Together we can pray about things going on in our lives and those of our family. I know that they really care and that they really know how to hear from God. Together we have more understanding and insight than we do individually. What is important is that each of us has a small group of people we love and trust that we know love God and follow closely in His ways. No wonder the scripture exhorts us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. It states “and so much more as you see the day approaching.”

I personally believe 2020 is going to be both a challenging year and a blessed year. Because I understand that I am an eternal being living in a temporary body and time period, I am learning to live above the circumstances that may be adverse, challenging and seemingly impossible to overcome. Everyone has a different perspective of how they think this year and the next few years will play out, but I want to live in such a way that I will not be shaken and my faith will remain strong. Others around me may go through much worse circumstances and if they do not have their lives built upon the rock, they will need someone to come along side of them and pull them to safety. I want to be one who is planted upon the rock of my salvation and can pull others — family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances — to that place of salvation and safety.

As we begin this New Year, new decade and perhaps even new era, may we pursue those things that will help us to have 20/20 vision.