Consciously Blind

“I once was lost but now am found.  Was blind but now I see.”  Words from the hymn, “Amazing Grace”.

 

What is the writer of this hymn referring to when he talks about being blind?

Here are some definitions of the word "blind" from www.dictionary.com ...

• Unable to see; lacking the sense of sight, sightless
• Unwilling or unable to perceive or understand
• Not characterized or determined by reason or control
• Not having or based on reason or intelligence

According to this, blindness isn’t just a condition of the visually impaired.  It can also be a voluntary condition of one who chooses, either consciously or subconsciously, not to understand or believe something.

How many Christians choose spiritual blindness on a daily basis?  We know God exists, yet we go through each day far too busy to take the time to notice His work all around us.

Here’s an example from the Bible of what we might see if we choose to see the world as God does.

“…The king of Aram became very upset…He called his officers together and demanded, ‘Which of you is the traitor?  Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?’ 

 

‘It’s not us, my lord the king,’ one of the officers replied.  ‘Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!’  ‘Go and find out where he is,’ the king commanded, ‘So I can send troops to seize him.’  And the report came back:  ‘Elisha is at Dothan.’ 

 

So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.  When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere.  ‘Oh sir, what will we do now?’ the young man cried to Elisha. 

 

‘Don’t be afraid!’ Elisha told him.  ‘For there are more on our side than on theirs!’  Then Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’  The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire….”  2 Kings 6:11-17

Elisa’s servant was blind to God’s army.  Why?  His focus was on his perception of the circumstances.  Fear paralyzed him, preventing him from seeing God’s divine intervention.

Are you blind to what God is doing in your world?  Have you allowed cynicism, fear, or a pessimistic outlook to blind you to God’s intervention in your circumstances?  Is spiritual blindness robbing you of joy?

Like Elisha’s servant we need to look past our circumstances to God’s glory and power.  We need to ask God to remove our spiritual blindness, clear our vision, and show us exactly what He’s capable of doing in our lives.  When you do you’ll experience the power of God in ways you never thought possible.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

What difficult circumstances are blinding you today?  How can you re-focus on God?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to walk around in spiritual blindness any longer.  Clear my vision so I can see You clearly.  Reveal Your presence, teach me how much You love me, and re-assure me of Your continuous presence.  Save me from cynicism and help me to see You at work all around me.  In Jesus name I pray…Amen.