Opening My Eyes to God’s Vision

In review of Psalm 119:18 it says, “Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law” (GNT).

Today’s verse comes the last part of Psalm 119:1-19. Overall, Psalm 119 speaks of how God's word is true and wonderful. How I should stay true to God and his word no matter how bad the world becomes around me. Obedience to God's laws is the only way for me to achieve real happiness.

In this passage the psalmist tells me how joyful are people of integrity who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me!  

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you, don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your work in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don't hide your commands from me!

The psalmist here asks a question that troubles us all: How do I stay pure in a contaminating environment?  I cannot do this on my own, but must have counsel and strength more dynamic than the tempting influences around me. Where can I find strength and wisdom? By reading God's Word and doing what it says.

Hiding or keeping God's Word in my heart is a deterrent to sin. This alone should inspire me to memorize Scripture. But memorization alone will not keep me from sin; I must also put God's Word to work in my life, making it a vital guide for all that I do.

This psalm writer also recognized the he is a "foreigner in the land," and so he needed guidance. Almost any long trip requires a map or guide. As I travel through life, the Bible should be my road map, pointing out safe routes, obstacles to avoid, and pointing me toward my final destination. I too must recognize myself as a pilgrim, a traveler here on earth who needs to study God's map to learn the way. If I ignore the map, I will wander aimlessly through life and risk missing my real destination.

The Bible is filled with countless examples of people getting God’s vision, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Hosea, Jonah, and Micah. Seeing God’s vision for your life is not a crazy thing. God often uses a mental picture to clarify the next step he wants you to take.

Here’s something I just learned this morning for getting God’s vision.

First, ask God a specific question. In my quiet time, after I’ve read His Word and prayed, just be quiet and wait before God. Ask, “God, is there anything you want to say to me?” And then you wait. “God, is there anything I need to know that I’m not thinking about?” And then you wait.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking” (CEV). God wants me to ask him for advice, and he wants me to be specific. He’s waiting for you to ask!

Second, look into God’s Word to see what God might want to say to me.

Psalm 119:18 is a verse you should memorize: “Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law” (GNT). It’s a good verse to pray as you open up God’s Word. Every answer to every problem you have is in that book. But I’ve got to read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it as you seek God’s vision for my life or even just for today.

Bottom Line:

Open me heart, allow me to see the wonderful truths you have for me.

What this means to me:

I need to ask God to “Open my eyes” and let His Word permeate into my life so that I can see all of the wonderful truths that are revealed within your law.

There are times that it’s hard to just be open to listen and hear what God says. Even this morning, I’m more tempted to just get through my quiet time lesson and journaling than to really just listen. Being open means I may be instructed to do something I’m not comfortable doing, therefore easier to just push through quickly. It's important to be open and then be obedient to follow the instructions he reveals to me. I really do need to spend more time in scripture memory and meditation. Use is as something I can chew on, especially as things get tough. So this morning Father, I pray that you will open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your Word. Allow me to be still and wait for your reply. Please cast your vision onto me for how you want me to live life and to serve you.