Numbers 22:31, 34
Then Jehovah opened the eyes of Balaam and he saw the angel of Jehovah standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand and he bowed his head and fell on his face.. And Balaam said unto the angel of Jehovah, “I have sinned, for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me…”
There are some famous “opened the eyes” moments in the bible. This is one, the apostle Paul is another (Acts 9), Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1), and many others.
What happens is that the person gets the right perspective. Balaam had it wrong. He was immersed in greed and impressed by powerful people. Isaiah had it wrong because he was overwhelmed by earthly circumstances. All of us probably have it wrong in multiple areas.
Can we have this “opened his eyes” experience? Yes. David prays in the Psalms 119:18 “Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things in Thy law.” As we ask Him, He will do it.
Another Psalm says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto Thy path” Psalms 119:105. This is the primary way that we’re enlightened, by reading the bible. It may happen at the moment. As we read, things jump out and we get answers and insight. What a blessing this is. This is very dramatic for new believers. They sense all of the God connections that weren’t there before. It strengthens and grows the attachment with The Lord. It still happens with mature believers. This probably the case because we’re used to it. I can remember calling and visiting friends when I would get some of these insights.
This illumination also happens throughout the day. As we’ve got his Word in us, He’ll bring it to our remembrance. He’ll guide us, He’ll point out bad attitudes, He’ll comfort us, and more. This is part of what it means to “walk with God”. There is communication throughout the day. It goes both ways.
This process has a cleansing effect. Just as Balaam saw that he was sinning, so we see our errors. This is part of the sanctification process. He attempts to make us better over time. This is also part of our submitting to His Lordship. We don’t have to comply. However, we want to keep a soft heart towards God. Rejecting it hardens our heart and our ears become dull to His voice.
Lord, thank You that You want to and do open our eyes. Help us to seek these times. Help us to be sensitive to Your prompting.