We are humans, and by default, we look at ourselves with human eyes. Our weaknesses, challenges, and needs are obvious to us. But God does not see things the same way we do, and it is sometimes good to remember this.

This is a story told often to our children in Sunday school. A prophet named Balaam had to go somewhere, and his donkey refused to come forward. At first, Balaam was angry, but his donkey started talking and explained to him why he couldn’t move on! That is the only place in the Bible where we read that an animal has spoken, and of course, it is a story that keeps children entertained. But as an adult, we sometimes read it too quickly. This story is set right in the middle of the Book of Numbers, a book that describes how Israel behaved on their pilgrimage to the Promised Land, and how God responded (often quite harshly). There is a long list of rules and lists. It is not a book for beginners. The people often complain about God, and God complains about the people. The relationship was not at its best, we might think.

Now, right in the middle of the book, comes this story from outside the camp. The king of Moab, Balak, sees Israel camping near his home, and he is terrified. “And Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was sick with dread because of the children of Israel” (Numbers 22:3 NKJV). His solution: ask a prophet to curse Israel. He then goes to look for Balaam with a good reputation in the matter. Balaam consults the Lord, who tells him not to curse these people. Balak will ask him again and again to curse Israel, but each time Balaam inquires the Lord and he has nothing but good things to say to them.

While Israel did not cease to anger God with their doubts and complaints, the Lord looked on them with love. “He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a King is among them” (Numbers 23:21 NKJV).

As Israel complained about living in tents and wandering, the Lord was in awe. “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O Israel” (Numbers 24:5 NKJV).

While Israel felt helpless in the face of the nations to face, the Lord already knew that His people would have victory. “God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox; He shall consume the nations, his enemies; He shall break their bones and pierce them with his arrows” (Numbers 24:8 NKJV).

Isn’t it the same for us today?

We feel ugly, far from the beauty standards of the world. But Christ sees us, His church, as the most beautiful bride of all time (Revelation 21:2).

We might not like the way we smell? God receives our sacrifices as a sweet-smelling fragrance (2 Corinthians 2:15).

Do we feel old? The Lord looks to eternity and finds us young. He even calls us His “children” (Ephesians 1:5).

We feel like we are defeated; God sees us entering into victory. We think the enemy is mighty, but God sees His heavenly host sharpening their swords (Psalms 34:7).

We feel poor that we don’t have everything the world has. But God sees us as a consecrated people, apart, pure as fine gold (1 Peter 1:7).

Perhaps it is time to stop looking at ourselves or our circumstances with our human eyes and ask God to open our spiritual eyes as He did with Elisha’s servant (2 Kings 6:17).

Of course, this thought can also have the opposite effect. If we believe we are accomplished and successful, when we ask God to open our eyes, He may show us our spiritual poverty (Revelation 3:17-18). But hey, let’s hope that’s not the case today.

If you need encouragement, take some time with God and ask Him to help you see yourself and your circumstances through His eyes. It will put a smile on your face.