First Harvey and now Irma. Unprecedented hurricanes are causing devastation as I write – Houston recently and the Caribbean islands now. As compassionate volunteers distribute water and load supplies in vans and others send donations, many are praying for restoration and protection for those in the path of the newest storm – especially those closest to the eye where it has its greatest strength.
While some are experiencing the direct physical presence of catastrophic winds blowing around them, most of us can relate to internal storms that battle within. At times, hurricanes are brewing inside and wreaking havoc in our lives. Some happen because of circumstances beyond our control – like accidents or natural disasters similar to those occurring now. But others can be self-inflicted or ushered in by our own decisions or choices. In both cases, the eye has a strong impact.
In his well-known Sermon on the Mount, Jesus highlighted the eye as an integral part that affects the whole body. He called it a “lamp of the body” and said, “If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23) Lust, covetousness, jealousy, and pride usually begin with our eyes and manifest themselves in different ways in our lives. That is why the Bible warns us not only to guard our hearts and minds but also our eyes, where images and thoughts enter our body.
The eye has power – whether it be part of a hurricane or a human. It has the potential to be a means of light, but it can also be a source of damage and destruction. Just like in times of treacherous storms, we need to protect ourselves from the danger swirling around us. The hurricanes are an unwelcome and tangible reminder of this eternal truth.
My prayers will continue for those in the path of the eye of the storm.
“And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell fire.”
(Matthew 18:9)