In Johnny Nash’s classic song he sings, “I can see clearly now the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way.” The storms of life obscure our ability to see clearly and can make it challenging to stay the course. It’s usually within the storms where decisions are made that can have a negative effect on us down the road. We don’t always have the luxury of waiting for the storms to pass before we can resume life.

Clear vision is essential. The fact of the matter is we can’t control the storms of life from coming but we can develop spiritual disciplines to stay on course confidently and maintain peace.

In the bible, there is a Prophet of God named Habakkuk. In Habakkuk 1 the prophet voices his concerns to God regarding His promises. Israel is under the captivity of the Assyrians and there is no hope in sight of it ending. As the Prophet looks at his current circumstances and compares them to God’s promises he begins to wonder if God’s promises are still good.

The Israelites are a “covenant” people. A covenant is a solemn, legally binding agreement between two parties. The Israelites carried the unique responsibility of being the people God chose to establish an agreement with the world. As a result, God promised that they would be a nation too numerous to count and the nations of the world would be blessed through them.

When circumstances appear to call into question God’s promises in your life it’s important to remember, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” 2 Corinthians 2:20 God’s promises are guaranteed. God cannot break a promise without ceasing to be God. Since He cannot stop being Himself, He will never break a promise.

The storm clouds may cover up the sun but they do not extinguish the sun. The sun is still shining and is very present. So it is with God’s promises. Habakkuk brought his concerns to God in chapter 1 and then chapter two verse one he positions himself to hear from God.

Waiting can feel like a form of torture at times but how we utilize our wait time makes all the difference. We can choose to “kill time” or we can pray and station ourselves to hear from God. How we manage the wait time determines whether we are at peace or swallowed up by anxiety.

“² And the Lord answered me:

“Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so he may run who reads it.”

Habakkuk 2:2

The ability to see clearly is the difference between continuing or quitting; between pushing on and dropping out. In the world of optometry, 20/20 vision is the term used to express the clarity or sharpness of vision. Good vision needs to be clear and visual. When vision is unclear every direction looks like the right direction. Do you have a vision for your marriage? Family? Job? Life? Vision will dictate the way you make decisions. “Without vision the people perish,” Proverbs 29:18

Vision is needed;

1. For direction when life becomes unclear.

Vision will remind you of what God said when you aren’t sure what He is saying. Vision acts as a compass when your sense of direction is uncertain.

2. To endure the storms in life.

Vision reminds us that our suffering isn’t in vain. Vision keeps us focused on what is important not distracted by what is loudest.

3. To sustain faith.

Having vision doesn’t mean everything makes sense or decisions are easy. Having vision means that you have a guide to keep on track.

What’s your vision for your life? Family? Marriage? Work? Life? Without vision we perish, we lose our way. Vision grows deeper as we go further. Begin the process of defining your vision and see more clearly when life’s storms appear.