I often go to Moosehead Lake for a three-day retreat. Once while sitting at the water’s edge, I found myself mulling over the issues and situations I was dealing with. After some time, I heard the Holy Spirit ask, “What do you see?" A bit shaken, I knew this was the same question the Lord had asked the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1-12).

      The Lord revealed to Jeremiah that he was ordained as a prophet to the Nations. Jeremiah offered the excuse that he was not qualified. Seeing his insecurity, the Lord asked him, “What do you see?” He replied, “I see a rod of an almond tree” (1:11). Biblically, an almond branch symbolized God’s divine selection and authority. This confirmed to Jeremiah God’s faithfulness to be with him. Numbers 17 reveals the Biblical meaning of the almond rod.  

    The Israelites, in rebellion against Moses and Aaron, confronted their leadership. God directed the prince of each Israelite tribe to place a rod in the Tabernacle of Witness. The rod that the Lord chose would be His choice. The next morning, Aaron's rod had buds, blossoms with almonds. This confirmed God’s choice of Aaron as the high priest of Israel. 

   Sitting on the water’s edge, I fell into my brooding stage again. Deep in thought, concerned and anxious, I heard, “What do you see?” Sad to say, this happened three times. In response, I finally stepped back, became still, and entered worship. Shifting from my human nature, I felt His presence. Instead of a frown, a smile graced my face.

    While the situation may not have changed, I was different internally. Attempting to resolve issues without His guidance is the same as saying, “The finished work of Jesus is not enough,” which is unbelief. As such, we forfeit His grace, His strength, wisdom, power, and authority for ours. Seen through the lens of our perceptions, emotions, and reasoning, we can at best stumble to achieve anything on our own. Fear is the enemy of faith.

  It is written that we are to be anxious for nothing, but to rejoice with thanksgiving. As we give our requests to the Lord, we leave them at His feet. The result is that the peace of God will keep our hearts and minds IN Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6). The promise is given, “The Lord will keep those who trust in you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you” (Isaiah 26:3).

    What did I see? The truth is that keeping my eyes on the Lord takes me to the place of abiding in His presence. Yes, life has its issues, but from the place of fellowship, His joy and peace prevail as I place my trust in His sovereignty. Knowing that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord, my hope is renewed with expectations (Romans 8:28). 

  Jesus once asked, “Which of you by taking thought (worrying, being anxious) can add to your life’s needs?” (Matthew 6:27). So I ask you, “What do you see?”

 In His heart and love: Roy Roden

Eastgate Ministries