English writer John Heywood is said to have written the proverb “There are none so blind as those who will not see.” The statement perfectly captures the stubborn unreasonableness of one who willingly rejects truth. Sadly, the world is full of such people. Tragically, some can even be found in the church of our Lord.
While Heywood perfectly captured the stubbornness of rejection, the Psalmist identifies the antithesis–the desire that should be found in every child of God. Psalm 119:18 declares, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” The word “open” literally means “to uncover,” and has to do with removing a veil or a blindfold. The same word is used in Numbers 22:31 to describe the Lord opening Balaam’s eyes so he could see the angel of the Lord standing in the way with a sword in His hand. David’s desire, then, was for the blinders to be removed from his eyes so that he could clearly see and understand God’s Word.
Too many lack the desire that dwelt abundantly in the heart of David. Why is that the case? For some it may be pride. Nehemiah spoke of Israelites who “…hardened their necks and did not heed Your commandments” (Neh. 9:16). Humility is vital to the reception of God’s Word (Jas. 1:21). For others it may be worldliness. Jesus spoke of those who hear the Word but allow it to be choked out by the cares, riches, and pleasures of the world (Luke 8:14). Still, some may simply lack a love of the truth as Paul described in 2 Thessalonians 2:10. Whatever the case may be, Satan has many tools at his disposal to produce blindness and numbness to God’s Will (2 Cor. 4:4).
The Christian’s daily prayer should echo the sentiments of Psalm 119:18. God’s Law should be a source of joy and satisfaction. A day without Scripture should leave us with a sense of emptiness and longing, like a day without eating or drinking. God help us to have a greater desire to see.