My Brothers and Sisters

Where there is no vision, the people perish;

but he that keepeth the law , happy is he.

(Proverbs 29: 18 KJV)

Truly our visionary attitude throughout life is often the difference between success and mediocrity. One is reminded of the classic story of the two shoe salesmen who were sent to primitive island to determine business potential. The first salesman wired back “Coming home immediately. No one here wears shoes.” The second man responded, “Send a boatload of shoes immediately. The possibilities for selling shoes here are unlimited.”

For the Christian, vision is a true awareness of Christ in all of His fullness and enabling power.  This ancient eight-century hymn text from Ireland is still meaningful for us today with its expression of a yearning for the presence and leading of God in our lives.  The earnest prayer is enhanced by such quaint but tender phrases as “Lord of my heart,” “Thy presence my light”, “bright heav’n’s Sun,” and “heart of my own heart.”  The text states that when we allow God to have first place in our lives, He becomes our treasure; we care no more for the pursuit of riches or “man’s empty praise.”

Adapted: Kenneth W. Osbeck

(Amazing Grace - 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories

For Daily Devotions)