There’s a name for it: pareidolia.
You’ve no doubt experienced it, when discovering a cloud that resembles a bushy-bearded old man, or a house with windows and a front door that look like eyes, a nose and mouth, or a car with headlights staring ahead and a grille grinning at you.
We seem to be wired to find faces everywhere we look.
Similar to this ability in the physical realm, we’ve also been gifted with eyes of the heart that can see truth in the spiritual realm–everywhere we look—if we seek it.
For example:
“LOOK AT the birds of the air,” Jesus directed. “They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them” (Matthew 6:26).
The perfections of God’s provision are on display everywhere we look in creation, reminding us that out of his goodness, he’ll care for us too.
LOOK BEHIND:
King David wrote, “I LOOK BEHIND me and you’re there” (Psalm 139:5 MSG).
He was likely remembering what God had accomplished in the past–the problems resolved, the blessings provided, the satisfying moments spent with God that quieted his spirit.
We too can LOOK BEHIND for such indicators of God’s presence in our lives and his work on our behalf.
LOOK FOR:
“Beg for knowledge; plead for insight. LOOK FOR it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:3-4 GNT).
Pastor/Bible teacher, Charles Swindoll would have us understand:
“Hidden in the scriptures are priceless verbal vaults. Silent. Hard to find. Easy to miss if you’re in a hurry. But they are there, awaiting discovery. God’s Word, like a deep, deep mine, stands ready to yield its treasures”[1].
It’s been a joy of my life to LOOK FOR the treasure of truth in the Bible. You too?
LOOK FORWARD:
“Let your eyes LOOK FORWARD; fix your gaze straight ahead,” advised King Solomon (Proverbs 4:25 HCSB).
Why? We need to focus on the goal of glorifying God and enjoying him forever [2], avoiding those distractions that might lead to the compromise of our faith, or into the evil of this world.
LOOK TO:
“I LOOK TO the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 GNT).
Begin the day with the affirmation, “My powerful God created the universe! With that same power He’s promised to help me” (Psalm 46:1)!
Then seize the day with confidence, knowing that nothing can stand in his way.
LOOK UP:
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will LOOK UP” (Psalm 5:3 KJV).
And when we LOOK UP, what do we see? A God who loves us, desires what’s best for us, and works through events, relationships, challenges, and blessings to bring that best into fruition.
LOOK WITHIN:
LOOK WITHIN as you “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine” (2 Corinthians 13:5a NLT).
Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”
So here are a few questions to guide us as we LOOK WITHIN to take a spiritual inventory:
Am I living a life of obedience out of heartfelt gratitude for what Christ has done for me?
Am I relying upon the Holy Spirit to produce his qualities in my life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and more (Galatians 5:22-23)?
What do my reactions reveal about my faith? How do I respond to criticism, unkindness, or anger?
“Self-examination does not imply sinless living. Rather it implies Christlike growing”—Randy Smith [3].
Finding faces everywhere we look in the physical realm can be a fun past time.
Finding truth everywhere we look in the spiritual realm is a necessity because . . .
“. . . As we delight in the truth of God’s Word and live out the truth of God’s Word, it truly becomes a lifeline to our souls”—Lysa Terkheurst, Embraced, 309-310.
[1] Come before Winter, 230.
[2] From the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
[3] From a sermon, “The Basis for Spiritual Growth,” May 22, 2022, https://gracequotes.org/topic/self-examination/.
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Thank you for your suggestions for self-examination and affirmations, Nancy. 😁🙏✝️🙏
You’re welcome, Nancy!
🧡
Thank you, Mitch!
Such fabulous words of encouragement. And to the sparrow I say, “Yes and amen.”
I love that old poem. Its reminder is timeless, isn’t it!
Yes!
Your post reminds me of St. Patrick’s words: Christ beside me. Christ before me. Christ behind me. Christ within me. Christ beneath me. Christ above me.
I’d forgotten that quote of St. Patrick. It would make a good image for this post! (Maybe I’ll add it later for future readers.) Thank you Linda!
As always, Nancy, I’m inspired by your insight and inspiration. May we stay focused on God, past, present and future, to guide us and show us the way, and thank Him always for His provision. And I love the meme of the birds “chatting.”
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. Isn’t that a delightful poem? She may have written it in 1859, but the message is timeless!
Very good post!!! Thank you for sharing these insights with us…much to ponder! Wishing you blessings always! (Keeping your husband in my prayers.)
Thank you Linda for your encouragement, and especially for your prayers. The last test results came in yesterday and revealed nothing out of sorts. So at this point it remains a mystery why the Eloquis is not working for my husband, allowing last Tuesday’s stroke to occur. We have four doctor appointments coming up and OT for his hand as well as PT for balance are in the works. Meanwhile he has instructions and exercises for here at home. He has a bit of feeling back in his index finger and thumb, but S. still can’t grip anything. You can pray that he regains function of those two fingers!
Lovely insights and encouragement to look beyond the physical into a deeper spiritual meaning in things and also to look within examining ourselves.
Blessings, Nancy.
Thank you, Manu. I’m so glad you found encouragement here!
Beautiful scriptures and words of encouragement. Thank you, Nancy. Praying for your husband🙏🏻
Thank you, Pam, for praying for S. The last test results came in yesterday and revealed nothing out of sorts. So at this point it remains a mystery why the Eloquis is not working for him, allowing last Tuesday’s stroke to occur. We have four doctor appointments coming up; OT for his hand and PT for balance are in the works. Meanwhile he has instructions and exercises for here at home. He has a bit of feeling back in his index finger and thumb, but he still can’t grip anything. You can pray that he regains function of those two fingers! Thank you, my friend!
When I was a child, the thought of God being with me every minute of every day was kind of scary. I worried that he would notice every sin and it put the fear of his wrath in my heart. As I’ve grown older, I know that his presence is a calming influence. It gives me great peace to know that the creator of the universe has my back. He will never leave me nor forsake me.
I too worried about God seeing my every sin and being displeased with me. Remember the chorus that began, “Oh be careful little hands what you do?” It was my least favorite song! The line about “The Father up above is looking down in love” did little to assuage my guilt. “He may love me,” I thought, “but he probably doesn’t like me ver much!” With you I’ve grown to see his presence as calming. I also appreciate his strength, provision (one example: words of wisdom to share with someone), and JOY (Psalm 16:11)! I know you celebrate the same!
Beautiful encouraging to keep looking and noticing God in every moment.
Thank you, Dana. Praise God you found encouragement here!
Great new word for my vocabulary! and I have always been drawn to “Look” phrases. and yes it have look, seek, be on the watch for the Holy – it is all around and within us.
That’s a good phrase to keep in mind: watch for the Holy. Thank you for adding that to the conversation, Jean. Such a practice adds such joy to our lives!
Your featured image of the bug-eyed Austin Healey Sprite made me smile, Nancy. More importantly, your post encouraged me to look for where God blesses His sheep daily. Thank you!
So glad this post encouraged you, Grant. Isn’t that little Austin Healey adorable?s But I’d hate to drive it on USA roads, surrounded by pick-up trucks and SUVs!
Fun cars for the late 50s and early 60s, but not for today’s world of humongous vehicles.
Agreed!
So good!
Thank you, Lisa. Praise God for his inspiration!
I love this, Nancy! The quote by Charles Swindoll of the verbal vaults is such a massive expression of the riches of His word. Not something to take lightly, nor cavalierly. And that poem by Elizabeth Cheney made me smile–of course, the birds of the air have no worries because they have no doubt about the goodness of God. We do–even though He faithfully provides for us daily. Thanks for this, my friend.
I’m so glad this post resonated with you, Dayle. I too love that quote from Charles Swindoll. Discovering scripture-nuggets of encouragement, wisdom, and truth never grows old, does it!
Beautiful Nancy
Thank you, dear Laura. Praise God you found beauty here!
I definitely see a cute face on that sportscar Nancy!
‘Love that we two “Schaubs” began our recent posts with the concept of pareidolia–unbeknownst to the other!
I think we had some kind of magical connection going on there Nancy!
‘Sure appears that way! 😁
Sometimes when I look back to examine my life, I find myself stuck there. I dwell on my mistakes instead of using them as learning tools. Sometimes I am like a tumbleweed, gathering problems instead of looking to Him for guidance. When I stop admonishing myself, I joyfully remember He forgives His children when they fall short, if we only ask. I praise God that he knows my anxious thoughts and is already at work, though I don’t necessarily see it in my present vision. That’s where faith comes into the picture. Thanks for a very helpful post, Nancy.
By the way, I noticed in an above comment that something is going on with Steve. I’m praying for him and you.
So glad you found this post helpful, Cheri. Praise God! As for Steve, I sent you an email reply with an update. Thank you so much for praying for us!
The Swindoll quote is wonderful, especially “… verbal vaults… easy to miss if you’re in a hurry”. I’ve always admired a pastor’s ability to interpret scripture, especially when he/she can couch that interpretation in the world we live in today. It’s a comforting thought, knowing we can return to the same verse or passage just about anywhere in the Bible, with new understanding each time we do.
I too am grateful and delighted that there are always new discoveries to be made in scripture. It NEVER grows old!