By: Ted Camp, Silent Word Ministires

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8). Is it possible to guide a person with just a look? Well, my mother guided me with a certain glance, and I knew exactly what it meant. Now it seems my wife has the same guidance gift.

For example, when I put on a wrong tie, I get that look. When I put on the right tie, I get a pleasant look with a nod. It seems that after these many years I simply cannot pick the right shoes, shirt, tie or pants.

One man thought he had conquered the problem. After his wife gave approval for a Sunday outfit, he kept the same outfit for the next Sunday. When the wife saw it, to his disappointment, she said, “Are you going to wear the same thing again?” Every child and husband knows that look.

Because of that look, I must change socks because they are too light for my dark suit. Who made the rule of brown shoes in the morning and black shoes at night? After I am finally dressed, my wife gives me one last look before we go before the public. I watch her eyes as they travel up and down my outfit, then I wait for that look. The look will determine rejection or approval.

Then as we finally leave, she brushes off my shoulders, checks my hair, and smiles as she admires her finished work. I should be able to dress myself, but it seems that the styles and fads keep changing without my knowledge. My wife has finally learned the best method is to simply lay out my matched clothes. That look may be a frown, a raising of the eyebrows, a simple nod, or a rolling of the eyes. By the way, the other day I dressed myself and got an approving look. It was a good day!

The Lord also seeks to guide you with just a look, instead of chastisement. His look may bring either pain, or pleasure. It is good when a child responds to and obeys with just a simple look. It means they respect and reverence for authority.

It is sad when more than a look is needed. It is also good when Christians quickly respond to that look from the Lord. His look directs you in the right way. Also when you go wrong you know it, because of that look. If you resist that look, then you will have regrets. Christians should quickly respond to that guiding look from the Lord.

These Are Words of Wisdom.

Ted Camp is director of Silent Word Ministries, a worldwide ministry to the deaf based in Trenton. E-mail him at TC@silentword.org to be added to the email list for weekly articles or phone (706) 657-8000.