“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word.” Psalm 119:37

Standing outside the restaurant with my family, I was focused on my youngest grandson. He has no learned fears yet, and sees a big parking lot as a place to run. NOT a good idea… for obvious reasons. As I focused on him, my peripheral vision saw movement to my extreme right. Then I heard the ‘thunk!’ An elderly lady had fallen in the parking lot and hit her head. All 9 of us ran to her aid.

As we sought to comfort her, I looked to see what might have possibly happened. And there it was! While she was watching where she was going, she wasn’t watching where she was going! A big tree root had grown under the pavement and slightly lifted it. Focusing ahead, she did not see the un-level ground below. Such is the dilemma of peripheral vision. It sees motion… but does not focus on details.

In the picture above, it is easy to see the difference between vision and peripheral vision. If you stare at it, it looks stationary. If you look off to the side, it appears to be moving! Conclusion? Your brain CAN be tricked! Another obvious conclusion? Satan knows it!

This verse above seems to be a little tricky as well. David is talking about God’s Word and asks God to turn his eyes from worthless things. While I love the prayer, I’m not sure how much GOD does the turning. From my perspective, His Word WARNS me, and it is up to ME to learn and choose to avoid ‘worthless.’ Like a little kid sees a parking lot, I can be drawn to many things that are not good for me. As they get pointed out, by teaching or actual experience, I have to learn to walk smart!

God has a whole LOT of teaching aids at His disposal. The Bible, family, friends, the Holy Spirit, angels and double vision are just some of the ways He teaches me. But sometimes EXPERIENCE is the hardest teacher. Ask a kid what he wants to BE when he grows up, he will usually give you an answer. Ask if he is on the clear PATH to reach that goal, and you likely get a different answer!

The Bible is full of stories that prove seeing is not necessarily believing. Where we WANT to go and where we ARE, are often opposite destinations. Not wanting to be tricked, I have to clearly focus on where I am and where I am headed. I thank God that He has provided me with a LOT of warnings before, AND help after, if and when I stumble. But I can trust that He will get me safely home.