Watched, Known, and Never Abandoned
He saw you.
That sounds a little creepy and makes you wonder who saw and what exactly did they see?! We live in a moment in history where there are literally cameras everywhere, it seems. Businesses have security cameras. Many of us have security cameras at our homes. Parents often have monitors so they can see if their child is sleeping or in need of attention. And then, just about any time, someone might get their cell phone out and film something they especially like or don’t like that is going on around them. So having someone see you is fairly likely.
It's nearly impossible to control what someone shares once they've seen us. We live in a world where we are watched in ways we could have never imagined in previous generations. There are some positives and negatives to our visibility.
Being watched isn’t new, but who is watching is. Proverbs tells us the Lord has always been watching: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”
I will confess that sometimes I have questioned God in my prayers, as if he doesn’t see some difficulties I experienced. My frustration and questions to God usually come in moments of stress and, of course, are illogical. I know — and, more importantly, He knows — what I am going through. The good news is that God is okay with all of our big feelings. He knows that in times of stress, sickness, pain, financial difficulties, and the uncertainties of life, we sometimes forget that the God of the universe not only sees us but is also available to us.
Jeremiah adds another layer to our understanding, telling us that God is capable of being close by us and also far away, dealing with other things he is watching. He is present in heaven and earth, and nothing happens, good or bad, that he is not only aware of but promises to resolve with justice in the end.
In the middle of our distress, we sometimes miss that God sees and is literally right there with us. It is only when we take time to be still and to pray and read His word that we are able to regain the right perspective. Both the psalmist and the apostle Peter knew that God could handle all of our emotions and stress. Many times, David questioned and wondered if God knew or was present in certain situations. And we remember that Peter denied Christ and ran in fear, only to be restored by God an appointed as the leader of the church, beginning at Pentecost.
David and Peter tell us to cast our burdens on the Lord. He sees us. He will sustain us. He will take our anxieties. He cares for us. And yes, in God’s timing, He will deal with all the injustices and evil around us and in the world.
Father, thank you for reminding us in your word that you see all the things going on in our lives and in the world. Thank you for your promise of justice. And thank you for the forgiveness and mercy that flows from your throne of grace because of Jesus. Take our anxiety today. We throw down our burdens at your feet. Restore us by your grace and love. In Jesus's name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7 ESV
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