See – Observe, Perceive and Understand

God invites us to see far more than the surface of our circumstances. The psalmist prayed, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Ps 119:18). Looking beyond the physical to perceive His purpose and the realities of the unseen spirit realm is an essential mark of spiritual maturity.

Seeing Beyond the Natural

Besides the ability to observe with our physical eyes, we should look beyond the physical aspect to perceive the real spiritual implications and so “understand the times” to determine the way we should go and the real issues involved – the root cause or why things are a particular way (1 Chr 12:32). We are so attuned to receiving input via our natural senses that it is difficult to transition to the spiritual dimension and view things as they really are.

Look beyond the obvious – can you see God’s purpose?

For what is being outworked in the physical world is a reflection of what is happening in the unseen spirit realm. Elisha prayed for his servant, “O Lord, open his [spiritual] eyes [of faith] that he may see” (2 Kgs 6:8-17). When God asks, “What do you see?” He is pointing to a deeper aspect or meaning than what is initially perceived (Jer 1:11; Amos 7:8; Dan 8:15-17).

Spiritual Weapons and Discernment

Much of our Christian effort is expended in the visible natural realm, struggling against evil spiritual forces, whereas the Bible instructs us to fight with the effective spiritual weapons in the spiritual contest (Eph 6:10-18).

Are you fighting with God’s spiritual weapons?

The gift of discerning spirits is another level of seeing and understanding things beyond what is readily observable to the natural mind (1 Cor 12:10). It enables the believer to recognise the source – divine or demonic – of what is being communicated in the unseen realm.

Visions, Dreams and Testing

Visions are future events impressed on our minds when we are awake, as opposed to dreams that occur when we are asleep. God said visions and dreams would be given for our benefit (Joel 2:28), and any God-given revelation seen in a vision will be in agreement with Scripture.

Test everything you receive against God’s Word

However, this extra dimension of receiving messages can come from both God and evil sources; therefore whatever is received in our minds should be reviewed or tested against the standard of God’s Word (Jer 14:14; 1 Jn 4:1).

Reflection and Application:

Ask God each day to open your spiritual eyes to see His purpose in your circumstances.
Test every impression, vision or dream against the standard of God’s Word.
Value the gift of discerning spirits and seek God for deeper spiritual perception.
Fight with the effective spiritual weapons God supplies, not merely in the natural realm.