Most visitors to an art museum spend fifteen to thirty seconds looking at a painting, but art enthusiasts insist that’s not near long enough to fully enjoy each work.
Take for example da Vinci’s world-famous Mona Lisa. You’ve seen photographs; some of you may have viewed the original at the Louvre. Besides the model’s haunting expression, what makes this painting stand out from others?
First, note da Vinci’s use of shadow to give contour to the face and clothing. As a result, daVinci achieved more realism than other painters of his time.
Second, enlarge the image above and study da Vinci’s masterful attention to detail—the intricate gathers of the bodice, the graceful tendrils of her hair, the next-to-nothing veil.
Third, focus on the background. Mona Lisa appears to be sitting in front of a window with a lovely view of mountains, trees, and a lake. Da Vinci used a technique called foreshortening to condense the wide scene onto his narrow canvas.
Fourth, note the hazy atmosphere, created as da Vinci blurred the edges of his almost undetectable brushstrokes.
Of course, additional features also contribute to Mona Lisa’s magnificence. Yet even this short list makes clear: there’s more to the Mona Lisa than most of us realize.
And to know more makes us appreciate more and enjoy more. But such results require close observation through slow looking.
The same principle applies to God. To know God more will allow us to enjoy and appreciate him more.
But how do we observe closely Someone who’s invisible?
We begin with evidence of the Unseen. One example, his presence and character traits revealed in the events of our lives:
- Caring protection from harm on numerous occasions
- Generous provision of countless necessities, gifts, and blessings
- Perfect wisdom, as certain desires of our hearts haven’t come true, recognized in hindsight
- Unfailing faithfulness to see us through disappointment, difficulty, and uncertainty
- Gracious goodness in every joyful moment, every delightful surprise. They all come from him.
Every day provides much evidence of his benevolent presence in the lives of each of his children. The more we look, the more we’ll find. And as each discovery is turned into praise our spirits fill with joy.
Another way to practice slow looking is to spend time in God’s presence, learning more about him through his Word.
It makes sense: “Delight in God cannot occur in an intellectual vacuum” [1].
“But I don’t know where to start!” someone might say.
The internet offers a variety of reading plans, and once a plan is in place, we apply the practice of slow looking as we read.
Writing the answers to such questions as these hones our observation skills:
- What does this passage say about God and his character?
- What truths does he teach?
- What does God promise here that offers hope and encouragement?
- Is there a prayer that applies to my life? (Write it out, perhaps in your own words, and personalize it.)
- Has God included an example to follow or not follow [2]?
Slow looking through the act of writing also helps deepen our understanding and appreciation, expanding our capacity to enjoy God.
Another benefit? Taking joy in God and all his excellencies increases our strength to endure.
What moment of slow looking has led you to a recent discovery about God? Please share in the comment section below!
[1] Sam Storms, http://www.gracequotes.org
[2] Denise J. Hughes, Deeper Waters, 76.
Photo credits: http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.heartlight.org; unknown.
Discover more from From the Inside Out
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
From the Inside Out 
Such a beautiful meditation for this January day! I love the final scripture passage that you present here. There is so much joy in our hearts when we seek to lift our hearts up to God each day. In that way, we enter a cathedral every day of our lives…wherever we go and whatever we do, our God goes with us. It is a very beautiful cathedral, but we must keep our eyes and ears open at all times.
Indeed, we can train ourselves to live in a cathedral of praise, and experience the beauty of our God throughout each day (Psalm 27:4). Well said, Linda!
I love this concept of slow-looking, Nancy. I’ve been attempting to read the Bible this year, focusing more on what God is revealing to me. So far, it’s working, and I feel I’m intentionally growing closer to Him. Yes, it works!
Blessings, my friend!
Thank you, Martha, for your affirmation of the delight we experience meditating on God’s Word. How wonderful you’re growing closer to Him already–just three weeks into the new year!
Love this! I always loved art, I remember my parents taking me to see the Mona Lisa when I was a child. Never forgot it… Excellent post! Thanks
Thank you, John. How wonderful you were able to see the Mona Lisa in person–even though you were quite young. Amazing that even a child can be impressed by da Vinci’s artistry!
I like your analogy. It is true that if we want to really know God, we have to spend time with Him.
Right you are, Linda! What may begin as a discipline for some folks soon turns into sublime pleasure as God speaks truth into our hearts through his Word. Quiet time with him becomes a favorite time of day!
My spending time with the Lord in the Word and in prayer has some looking out the window reflecting time. Those pauses seem to help my depth of insight and depth of prayer as well as keeping my thoughts in line. look away, look back, read it again and reflect. Quite a simple discipline slow reading. The depths realized are always missed in the fly-over.
Now that’s quotable right there: [When it comes to understanding God’s Word], “the depths realized are always missed in the fly-over.” Love it, Gary! I also appreciate your idea of looking away for reflecting time. My glowing candle can provide a focus point for me during look-away moments. Thank you for adding this suggestion!
‘Slow looking’ through the Word of God. ‘Slow looking’ by being intentional in our walk and the benefits – peace, joy and hope in our Lord. Great post, friend. Thanks for the encouragement
You’re welcome, Brenda–praise God you found encouragement here!
Without thinking, I often do the “slow looking” while reading the Bible. I’ll read through the verse, and then like a first grader, reread it slowly word by word. “Slow Looking” is a wonderful suggestion, Nancy! 🙂
Thank you, Nancy, for your affirmation that “slow looking” is a valuable exercise to apply in our scripture reading!
Excellent analogy!
Thank you, Vickie–praise God for his inspiration!
Love this Post, Nancy. Slow looking while reading His word is something I like doing and gain much from it.
Agreed, Manu–we gain much, and we’re blessed much by “slow looking!”
Thank you, Nancy! Your reflections are something that stick with me. Having lived in Europe near Paris for a long time, I have actually rushed by the Mona Lisa. How good of the Lord to keep inviting us to be still, to sit, to contemplate and take note of His majesty and creativity. How patient He is with his hurried creation 🙂 Thanks for you wonderful reminder!
You’ve touched on an important point, Heidi. With all our time-saving devices we seem more rushed than ever, always trying to accomplish more. “Slow-looking” at God’s creation, his involvement in our lives, in his Word, etc. surely benefits us physically, mentally, and emotionally, as well as spiritually. You’ve given us another reason to sit, be still, and contemplate the beauty of our God and the wonder of his works!
Your view of slow-looking is beautifully stated. I learned years ago from a Messianic Jew, who was baffled by our American need to read the Bible in a year, that reading and meditating on Scripture in small portions–one or a few verses–is more helpful to really see what God is saying to me. To imagine Him speaking the words to me and letting them fill my heart. I love the idea of slow-looking.
You and I must be of similar temperament, Dayle. I too much prefer to meditate on smaller portions than read several chapters. For those who may not be familiar with the full story of scripture from Genesis to Revelation, perhaps a read-through would be valuable for them. I’m so thankful for the Bible literacy gained in my youth, benefiting me my entire life!
Great questions. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad you found the questions practical, Barb. Praise God for his inspiration!
As an newly christened educational administrator, I’ve found the value in slowing down. Listening, really listening, to people involves turning down my desire to respond, while turning up my desire to understand someone else’s point of few. Sometimes people just need to be heard, and it’s the same with God. When we rush right by Him, we miss the deep fellowship that comes from slow-mo heavenly encounters. You always cause we to think, open my Bible, and draw closer to Christ, Nancy. Thank you, and God Bless!
Thank you for your kind words, David. As always, I praise God for his inspiration–behind the ideas for what I write and in the writing process itself. ‘Love your expression, “slow-mo heavenly encounters.” Once we allow time for such moments to occur, we crave more!
My slow trip through the Sermon on the Mount is yielding all kinds of blessing! Thanks for the encouragement to persevere.
TT
[image: –Join me at Living Our Days]
Join me at Living Our Days https://michelemorin.net “The way we live our days is, of course, the way we live our lives.” (Annie Dillard)https://linktr.ee/MicheleDMorin
Last summer and a couple of years ago I participated in two different studies on that passage. You’re right: it certainly yielded all kinds of blessing for me too–both times!
Nancy,
I have been better about slowing down and listening. When it’s too quiet it easy to want to fill it. Thank you, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
You’re so right Gary. Many of us have been indoctrinated with “Stay on task; multi-tasking is even better.” To sit and be still, even in the presence of God, feels awkward and uncomfortable at first. But it we can stick with it for a week or two, we begin to see the benefits!
Nancy,
It’s not easy in the least. But we benefit from quiet times. The flesh doesn’t like the quiet.
Thanks, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
When I am at home, I always have a Christian radio station on. I get so many great ideas to improve my spiritual life and closeness with the Lord. Not only do I listen, but I dig deeper on my own to apply and expound upon what I have heard. I think that would be S L O W listening, right? Great post, Nancy. It is evident that you did a lot of research about art. I appreciate your efforts so much; believe me, they are always helpful and relevant.
I agree, Cheri, S L O W listening also has value! As for researching about art, I was surprised how much I could find on the internet about the Mona Lisa–and quickly too!
Ohhhh i like this comparison that leads to such importance. It reminded me also that patience is key. It is interesting as I reflect on my faith journey how much more understanding and wisdom I have than when I first became a Christian. I’m nowhere near a professional in artwork but I do appreciate it… And I’ll never be a professional in mastering the Bible, but that’s what makes it so timeless and such a wonderful blessing. Great post!!
I too am grateful that we’ll never reach the end of discoveries and insights as we read God’s Word. We can look forward to “further up and further in,” just as the unicorn said in The Last Battle (by C. S. Lewis)–until we go home to BE with our Heavenly Father!
Awe I love that!!!❤️
Perfect example with the Mona Lisa. I can honestly say I’ve never looked beyond her face, maybe not even beyond her expression. Never saw the veil or the detail in her dress. Never noticed the little bridge and road in the background. Fascinating. Music is good for a slow look as well. The more I listen to a piece – particularly classical – the more I “see”, whether the complexity of the music itself or the instruments that play it. I like your suggestion with the Bible: read, reflect, maybe even read again, in case a more subtle message lies within the verse.
I’ve been amazed again and again that even familiar passages like Psalm 23 can provide new, meaningful discoveries. For example, I suddenly wondered one day: why did David write, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life?” Don’t we need his goodness and love AHEAD of us and not BEHIND? That led me to the dictionary where I learned the nuances of meaning of this common word, follow. And sure enough, a number of them applied beautifully to how my good and loving Father “follows” me!
Psalm 23 is an example of my comfort with specific wording of passages (similar Luke’s gospel). The KJV Bible version of Psalm 23 is the only one I speak to myself (instead of say, the NIV version). Also, I’m not sure I knew David wrote it!
I love my morning Bible time with the Lord. I take short sections of scripture and use a teaching/devotional book to teach me what the verses mean. No matter how many times I read a certain scripture, the next time I read the Lord shows me something new. Slow looking is a great way to describe my time with the Lord. Great lessons here, Nancy!
I too marvel that no matter how many times we read a certain scripture, God can still show us something new. It’s a wonderful blessing to know: we’ll never reach the end of delightful discoveries about Him and His Word until we go home to Him!