Squint

Originally posted on Medium.com on June 26, 2024.

Imagine you’re in a pitch-dark room, and suddenly, someone flips on a blindingly bright light. Your natural reaction is to close your eyes tightly because it’s too much to handle all at once. But then, you start to squint, and slowly, your eyes adjust to the light. This experience is a lot like encountering God’s overwhelming presence for the first time.

For many people, the truth about God can feel too intense, making them want to shut their eyes and turn away. But what if you just squint a bit and allow yourself to start seeing glimpses of God’s reality? What if you let your eyes — and your heart — gradually adjust to His light? This journey from darkness to light is what Paul talks about in Romans 1 and what Christians are called to do in Acts 26:18.

Part 1: The Evidence of God

In Romans 1:18–20, Paul explains that the truth about God is plain to see:

Romans 1:18–20 (KJV):

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

Paul is saying that God has made Himself known through everything He created. The beauty, complexity, and order of the natural world show us God’s eternal power and divine nature. Here are a few scriptures that back this up:

Psalm 19:1–4: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

Job 12:7–9: “But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee.”

Isaiah 40:26: “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things.”

Colossians 1:16: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.”

These verses remind us that God’s presence is evident in creation. Yet, many people choose to ignore these signs and stay in darkness.

Part 2: Self-Imposed Blindness

Paul continues in Romans 1:21–23:

Romans 1:21–23 (KJV):

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

Even though people knew God, they chose not to honor Him or be thankful. Instead, they turned to foolish thinking, and their hearts became darkened. This happened because they rejected God and started worshiping idols.

Remember the illustration of the bright light being flashed in a dark room? What do you see when you close your eyes? You see the negative of what you saw just before you closed your eyes. And so it is with humanity. Many choose to cling to the negative image they see with their eyes closed. This prompts questions like, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” and “Why would a loving God send someone to Hell?” Their picture of God is not a true picture but rather, a negative of what God really is.

In today’s world, many people have already made up their minds about God, whether they’re Christians, atheists, or somewhere in between. But if you’re willing to be open and search for the truth, you can start to see God’s light more clearly.

Part 3: Squint

Now, think about squinting when the light is too bright. At first, it’s hard to see, but as you keep squinting, you start to make out shapes and details. It’s the same with our spiritual sight. If you open your heart just a bit, you’ll begin to see God’s truth more clearly.

A.W. Tozer, in “The Knowledge of the Holy,” says, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This fits perfectly with what Paul is saying in Romans 1. Our understanding of God shapes everything about us. If we have a wrong view of God, it leads to spiritual and moral problems. But if we start to see God correctly, our lives can change.

Both Tozer and Paul highlight how crucial it is to know God as He truly is. Misunderstanding or ignoring God leads to bad choices and spiritual darkness. But if we let ourselves see God — even if it means squinting at first — we can begin to understand His truth and let it guide our lives.

Final Word

Paul’s mission in Acts 26:18, and my aim with this post, is clear:

Acts 26:18 (KJV):

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

I challenge you today to open your eyes and heart to the reality of God. Even if it feels too bright at first, just squint. Let your eyes adjust. See the evidence of God all around you, and let that lead you to the ultimate truth found in Jesus Christ.

Don’t stay in darkness. Squint into the light and move closer to God, allowing His truth to transform your life and guide you into His marvelous light.