Don’t Focus on the Fog!

I was driving to Pierrepont for an early morning prayer time recently. It was still dark and there was thick fog on the way, which made it difficult to see where I was going. I had to drive very slowly and concentrate hard on what I could see of the road ahead. However, as daylight dawned and the sun came up, the morning mist very soon disappeared and a beautiful clear day followed.

It made me think about how it can sometimes feel as if there is a fog between us and God. We can feel distant from Him and find it difficult to see our way clearly. In those times, it is easy to focus on issues in our lives, looking at the problems rather than the solution. However, just as mist is dispersed by the warmth of the sun, the best way to get rid of any “fog” in our lives is to allow in more of God’s presence, more of His light and more of His warmth. Someone once said that it is better to light a candle than to try to remove the darkness!

The other thing that quickly disperses mist is wind. The obvious parallel for us is the wind of the Spirit. As God breathes His life into us, blockages tend to disappear and we can sense His presence with us more clearly.

If you are feeling in a bit of a “fog” today, instead of blaming yourself or focusing on problems, may I suggest that you focus on Jesus, who is the Light of the World, and consciously draw near to Him. God tells us in Psalm 46:10 to “Be still, and know that I am God.” As we do this, and as we draw near to Him, He promises that He will draw near to us (James 4:8). Any “fog” will soon disperse in the light of His presence!

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have promised to be with me always. Forgive me for not always being aware of Your presence, and for focusing on the negative things in my life instead of on You. Please fill me afresh with Your Spirit and disperse any “fog” that is blocking me from seeing clearly and knowing Your presence with me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.