Optical Illusions Delusions?

I always find those optical illusions on the internet fascinating; the ones where a picture can have two meanings depending on your perspective. You start by seeing one, but then you alter your point of view; it seems to change before your eyes, and you see another. Above is one of those famous examples. Is it a bird or a bunny? Is it a bunny or a bird? It’s all a matter of perspective.

GODISNOWHERE

Above is a sentence where I removed the spaces and punctuation. What do you read? Does it say, “God is nowhere” or “God is now here?” Be honest, there is no wrong answer…sort of.

Our perspective on God can fluctuate depending on our circumstances and our humanness. Sometimes we think God is nowhere to be found, and we are on our own, especially in difficult times. But some people see that God is now here in the same circumstances. Somebody might be trapped in an optical delusion, and indeed both statements may be, by degrees, incorrect. One person assumes God is not there, and the other perceives God is there at that moment, which may imply that God is not there some of the time.

About a week ago, I came across this quote during my early morning reflection time. It came from Father Thomas Keating, one of the foremost teachers of contemplative prayer, and it clearly states something about God’s permanence:

The chief thing that separates us from God

is the thought that we are separated from God.

I know through personal experience and reflection that when this HitchHiker feels abandoned by 42, I am trapped in my own optical delusion, not his. In my humanness, I have somehow deceived myself into thinking I am all alone, which is when I need to turn to my life verse,

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

It reminds me of the HithcHiker motto, “Don’t Panic!” Then I am able to reframe my perspective that, as the last words of Psalm 46:11 gently reminds me:

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:11

Here are some more scriptures to take for a test drive when you find yourself trapped in your human optical delusion and in need of a change of perspective:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39