The Bible speaks about closing our eyes in various ways—whether in prayer, sleep, rest, or even in spiritual blindness. As followers of Christ, we must seek to understand when closing our eyes leads to peace and when it leads to danger. Here are themes related to closing eyes, along with verses to reflect on.
Also Read: Bible Verses About for Healing Eyes
Closing Eyes in Prayer
Closing our eyes in prayer is a common practice that helps us focus on God and shut out distractions. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly command closing our eyes during prayer, it encourages us to seek God wholeheartedly and in humility. Prayer is an intimate conversation with our Creator, and closing our eyes can be a physical reminder to enter His presence fully.
Matthew 6:6
“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Psalm 17:6
“I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.”
Mark 1:35
“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Never stop praying.”
Luke 5:16
“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”
Closing Eyes in Sleep
Sleep is a gift from God, a time for our bodies and minds to rest. The Bible reassures us that when we trust in the Lord, we can sleep peacefully without fear. Closing our eyes in sleep is a symbol of faith, knowing that God watches over us even in our most vulnerable state.
Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”
Proverbs 3:24
“You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.”
Psalm 127:2
“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.”
Job 11:19
“You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.”
Ecclesiastes 5:12
“People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.”
Closing Eyes to Sin
At times, closing our eyes represents a refusal to look at evil or participate in sin. As believers, we are called to turn away from wickedness and guard our hearts against temptation. The Bible urges us to fix our gaze on righteousness rather than allowing sin to corrupt our vision.
Psalm 101:3
“I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.”
Matthew 5:29
“So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
Job 31:1
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman.”
Proverbs 4:25
“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.”
Romans 13:14
“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
Closing Eyes in Death
The Bible speaks about death as a kind of sleep, where believers close their eyes to this world and awaken in eternity with God. Those who trust in Jesus have the promise of resurrection, and their physical death is not the end but a transition into eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:51
“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!”
John 11:11
“Then he said, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.'”
Revelation 14:13
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!'”
Psalm 116:15
“The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die.”
2 Corinthians 5:8
“Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Guarding Your Eyes and Ears
Closing Eyes to the Poor
The Bible warns against ignoring the needs of the poor and encourages generosity. Closing our eyes to the plight of the less fortunate is associated with negative consequences, while giving to the poor is commended and leads to blessings. As followers of Christ, we are called to be compassionate and to assist those in need.
Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.”
Deuteronomy 15:11
“There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.”
Proverbs 19:17
“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!”
Isaiah 58:10
“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
Luke 6:38
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
Closing Eyes in Spiritual Blindness
Spiritual blindness refers to the inability to perceive and understand spiritual truths. The Bible addresses this condition, highlighting the importance of seeking spiritual insight and being receptive to God’s guidance. Closing our eyes to spiritual realities can lead to separation from God, while seeking understanding brings us closer to Him.
John 9:39-41
“Then Jesus told him, ‘I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.’ Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, ‘Are you saying we’re blind?’ ‘If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,’ Jesus replied. ‘But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.'”
2 Corinthians 4:4
“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”
Isaiah 6:9-10
“And he said, ‘Yes, go, and say to this people, “Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.” Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.'”
Matthew 15:14
“So ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.”
Ephesians 4:18
“Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.”
Closing Eyes in Rest and Trust
Rest is a divine provision that allows us to rejuvenate and trust in God’s sovereignty. Closing our eyes in rest signifies surrender and confidence in God’s protection and provision. The Bible encourages us to find rest in God, assuring us that He cares for us and grants us peace.
Exodus 33:14
“The Lord replied, ‘I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.'”
Matthew 11:28-29
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'”
Psalm 23:2
“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”
Hebrews 4:9-10
“So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world.”
Psalm 91:1
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”