Clearing the Fog

Walking outside on the porch this morning… HEY, where did the trees go?! My whole world was encompassed in FOG. The beauty of the scenery was hidden from view. Turning around, I couldn’t even see my daughter’s house, which is just a few yards in front of mine. Well, isn’t this a fine Howdy-Do. Actually, it wasn’t so bad. Because it was in that moment that I realized that God is still in control. He is in charge of everything in and around me, and if He wanted fog today, then we have fog. It was actually quite pretty.

It made me think of what was going on in my heart and my spirit. Lately I’ve been feeling a little foggy inside. Things just haven’t seemed as clear to me, nor have they seemed as happy. I realized that I hadn’t been paying attention. I had got so caught up in the things I needed to DO that I had taken my eyes off of Jesus. Therefore, the fog had descended and blocked my spiritual vision.

Looking at the fog I realized that I had become like it. Foggy. I had lost my focus, not read my Bible, and begun to let thoughts and feelings pop into my head that really had no business being there. And it’s amazing to me how one simple thought can lead to another, then another, and before long the fog is so thick that you can’t find your way out!

As I stood there on the stoop, I began to think of the sermon my pastor had preached just the night before. One thing he said was to keep your eyes on God, and He will keep His eyes on you! Well, I had taken my eyes off Him. I had got distracted and ran into fog. Fortunately, there was a solution. A very quick, very distinct solution. I took a deep breath, spread my hands in surrender, and began praying.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ~1 John 1:9

Within just a few words, I began to feel that sweet peace come over me. I began to relax. I don’t know how long I stood there, talking to the Lord, but as I finished I noticed that the fog was lifting… not only in my heart, but in the field as well. And another thing I noticed was my two little visitors sitting on the fence posts. They hadn’t been there the first time I came out, but as I stood there praying, they had been there, and stayed for the duration of my conversation with the Lord.

Had they felt His presence? I don’t know. But they were a welcome sight. In my mind, I felt as if they were there to reassure me that not only does He take care of them, but He wants me to know He’s taking care of me, too. How much more value I am than they. And they sure are precious!

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” ~Matthew 6:26

You’re precious to Him too, did you know that? If you’re feeling foggy today, why not talk to the Lord about it? He already knows about it anyway. But if you’ll take your fogginess to Him, He’ll begin to gently blow it away and before long, you’ll feel bright as a sunny day!

What’s keeping you in the fog?

Shelley Wilburn

Shelley Wilburn has been writing since the age of twelve. She loves stories and adventures, and often finds herself getting into mischief with any one of her six grandchildren. She has written several articles and devotionals over the years for various newspapers, women's magazines, and newsletters. She has also co-authored devotionals. Shelley began writing full-time in 2012 after being healed of over 40 years of depression and anxiety. Using her love of writing, and wearing mismatched socks, Shelley has developed a unique ministry of encouraging others using biblical truths and stories from her own personal life. When not writing, you can find Shelley and her husband of over 30 years, D.A. zipping down the road in their newest adventure-maker, a bright orange, Mustang convertible Shelley has laughingly dubbed The Pony.