God Sees

Lately I have been overwhelmed at the enormity and complexity of the problems in this world; from world wars to wars at home to the ones raging inside of us, sometimes it seems like “peace on earth” is an impossible idea.

But yesterday I was reminded of God’s incredible mercy. I was reading a story about God looking out for a woman who was harshly treated, oppressed, and without hope for a future. God came to her when she was in great distress and said, “I will bless you” (Genesis 16). A simple encounter with God changed her entire outlook on life. It gave her a purpose and a desire to continue on. This is what God desires to do in each of our lives. In that lonely, desert place she was able to lift her eyes and say, “You are a God of seeing . . . Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” (Genesis 16:13 ESV)

When we look around at the many needs of society and even our own needs, we must never lose sight of the fact that God sees, too. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” This is often difficult to believe, especially when we do not understand the horrors that take place every moment. But when we lift our eyes in child-like trust to our Father we will hear Him saying: “I see . . . “

Psalm 139:3 says that God is “acquainted” with all of our ways. When our heart is grieved, His heart grieves too. When we are frustrated and anxious, He understands why. Isaiah 53:4 says “Surely he has borne our grief’s and carried our sorrows.” And Hebrews 2:18 says, “For in what He has suffered, being tried, He is able to help those having been tried.” (LIT) God sees the oppression of humanity. He hears our cries and knows our needs. To doubt His ability to break through and heal our lives, our families, and even whole nations is to doubt His existence. His very Name declares the greatness of His power. It is His Name that holds this whole mess together. Without Him we are hopeless.

The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:8-19 ESV

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 ESV

In times of uncertainty it is important for us to remember that life on earth is only temporary—that the suffering caused by hatred, selfishness, vanity, and fear will dissipate in the “twinkling of an eye.” 1Co 15:52

This knowledge and the knowledge that we have a Father in heaven Who “sees” is our hope in times of distress, our confidence in times of trouble, and our joy in times of grief.

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