Several weeks ago, while having lunch with a friend I noticed something different. Finally, it registered.
“You have new glasses,” I remarked.
“Well, I have two pair. These are my dress glasses.”
Dress glasses was a new concept. Having a spare pair if you rely heavily on prescription glasses is common in case they break or are lost. I have two pair-one for reading and another for work at the computer. But I’ve never heard of glasses placed in categories like clothing: ready to wear vs. special occasion, or running shoes vs. dress shoes. Dress glasses was a new and frankly, fascinating concept.
So fascinating, that dress glasses got me thinking. If I have special shoes for running, and a fancy dress for a party, perhaps the idea of dress glasses was worth investigating, not as an accessory but as a permanent feature of spiritual discipline. I need dress glasses to take me a step away from the ordinary.
An early-riser, my Bible, journal, and coffee mug are my companions before the sun rises. I wear my reading glasses for sharper vision as I read and write in my journal to respond, make application, and pray about what I’ve read.
But now that “dress glasses” have come into “view” I began to question, would wearing special dress glasses position and prepare me for the messages God wants to give that I often don’t clearly see? Would wearing dress glasses allow us to focus and know Him in deeper ways?
[Tweet “How can I intentionally use my “dress glasses” for sharper vision as I make plans, adjust, and walk through my day? How would wearing spiritual glasses guide me to pray for myself and others?”]
- My dress glasses draw me to wait in silence rather than move forward in a decision.
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 NIV
- My dress glasses position me to listen and affirm my expectation to hear from God.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3 ESV
- My dress glasses give me clear vision of gratitude for God’s care and unconditional love.
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:26).
- My dress glasses give me vision to celebrate God-confidence in hard times.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:7
- My dress glasses help me access peace in troubling times.
“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
- My dress glasses present a clear perspective of trusting God’s promises in challenges.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.” Jeremiah 29:11,
Regardless of multiple pairs or the attractiveness of our eyeglasses, God desires to give us real vision.
That may or may not include a vision for something bigger or more exciting than current pursuits. It may be waiting silently for next steps. It could be pausing to remember and see He is bigger than difficult circumstances. But as we focus, our vision of relationship with Him goes deeper. It becomes clearer and broader each day. We will “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8a NIV
What verses do dress glasses add to your spiritual vision?
Marilyn, I love your analogy. I need dress glasses to see when to wait to hear from God instead of moving forward with my thoughts. Waiting before Him often sharpens our vision to see what He wants.
I agree Jeannie, Sometimes we need sharper vision to put things into focus.
I have several pairs of glasses, but none of them are “dress” glasses. I love your idea of using dress glasses to receive God’s message, to prepare for what He wants us to learn, and to guide us on our journey with Him. The dress glasses can help us “see” the path He prepares for us. Thanks for this thoughtful and inspiring message.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I love your additions to the topic, Katherine.
Cool and interesting concept, Marilyn. A new “visual” is a great way to change up our daily quiet time with God to keep it fresh and to further open our eyes, ears, and heart. I am going to try out (on?) your dress glasses.
Thanks for sharing this. I recently felt I had to buy a “dress” band for my Fitbit to wear when I’m not in sweats or jeans. I can relate to your friend’s dress glasses.
Ms. Marilyn, I love the idea of adding intentionality to my time with God each day. Let us not saunter by casually, and perhaps strike up a disinterested conversation, or be a casual observer. Let us seek His face with fervent expectation of great knowledge and wisdom to be imparted. Let us be purposeful, you humble, in our petitions. Oh, what new light you shined on this important conversation ma’am. God’s blessings.
Love your analogy because it made me think. I pray to have “special” eyes to see the things God wants me to see each and every.
Dress glasses. That is a new concept to me also, but I love the way you applied it to our spiritual vision. We do need to be more focused on absorbing the words of God and letting our eyes “see” what He says. Thanks for sharing this.
Marilyn, what a great analogy. I need “dress glasses” for sharper vision in my daily walk with God. Thank you for sharing such insight. I love your encouragement, “ But as we focus, our vision of relationship with Him goes deeper. It becomes clearer and broader each day. We will “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8a NIV
What a great message you offer, Marilyn. Our daily routine with God can become too routine. “Dressing up” to meet with God, even metaphorically, can help us find the right heart to approach His wondrous throne. Thanks and God bless!
Marilyn, I appreciate each promise of God that you highlighted in this post. Thank you!