From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—
he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
Psalm 33:13-15 (emphasis added)
A few months ago one of our daughters asked her sister for some help with her new health insurance. Her sister, who works in a related field, thoughtfully helped her through the details, options and decisions.
As they talked back and forth, I was struck at how much my wife and I enjoyed watching and hearing them talk to and help each other. It was beautiful that one sister was helping the other with something important….but I think that even if they had been talking about how to boil water I would have found it of great pleasure and interest.
Why?
Because I love them dearly.
They’re my children and I love to watch them…being them.
There’s something about watching over your child and hearing them talk and express themselves that brings joy to a parent. To see them grow up, to learn, discover, share, respond, have opinions, act in kindness, to care for others…
I think, God too, must feel this way as He watches us, His kids, go about our day.
In Psalm 139 (perhaps one of the most beautiful statements of our value to God) King David writes:
“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.”
Psalm 139: (NKJV; emphasis added)
““For the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought.”
Chronicles 28:9 (emphasis added)
The word discern implies “to take notice of”. God takes notice of us, much like I was taking notice of my girls. This directly implies that God is not a far-off, remote, impersonal God. He’s intimate, close, aware and connected to us.
Like me, you may cringe a bit as you think that God knows your every thought and your every inner desire. But, even though He knows all our coming and going (both, the good and the bad) He does not remove himself.
Why?
Because He loves us deeply.
We’re His children. He made us.
So, as you go about your day, know that the God of the universe walks with you. He knows all our coming and going. He loves you in spite your sometimes errant ways. That should bring a broad and warm smile to your heart…from a God who smiles over us.
Smiles from God
Every deed and every glance
Every word and every dance
We travel on about our day
His love is there along life’s way.
~~~~
Though I wander from His side
He’s still there; He does not hide.
My smiles, my words, my ways He knows.
His love and care it ever shows
In brightness oh my eyes are wide
Knowing that He’s by my side.
WGS
8/3/14
