How can we see something and yet not really see it?
Psychologists once ran a famous experiment. People watched a video of two teams passing basketballs and were asked to count the passes made by one team. In the middle of the video, a person in a gorilla suit walked right through the scene. Surprisingly, about half the viewers never noticed the gorilla at all. They were so focused on counting that they missed what was plainly in front of them.
Something similar can happen in our spiritual lives.
The Lord once lamented this about his people: “You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen” (Isaiah 42:20). God had revealed himself to Israel again and again. He had shown . . . . his power, his mercy, and his faithfulness. Yet many people saw the works of God without really absorbing them in faith.
The same danger can touch us. We hear God’s Word week after week. We see evidence of his blessings in our lives and in his church. However, we can become so focused on other concerns like our schedules, worries, or plans. And we fail to truly notice what the Lord is doing.
The good news is that God himself opens our eyes. Through his Word he promised to send a servant to open eyes that are blind (Isaiah 42:7). Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Spirit enlightens the eyes of your heart (Ephesians 1:18).
Ask the Lord to help you see! God is at work all around you, showing grace to you and bringing others to faith in Christ. Give God and his Word your full attention, and rejoice in what he is doing.
20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 21 It pleased the Lord for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious. (Isaiah 42:20-21)