Articles
The Eyes of the Lord
The Eyes of the Lord
For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that he may strongly support those whose heart is completely his (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Today, these words spoken long ago to King Asa of Judah echo down the corridor of time bringing to me a measure of strength, courage and hope that make the few remaining days of my time on this earth much easier. While for many of us, this pilgrimage has been a long one in which we have enjoyed much joy and happiness, it has often been a difficult path to walk. As the shadows of this life begin to lengthen for me, and I imagine for many of you as well, my human frame grows weary and groans under the burdens that must be borne. It is so comforting to know that the Lord is tenderly touched by whatever happens to us in this life and so long as we give our heart completely to him, he will strongly support us (James 4:7-10, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalms 62:7-8).
As the writer of Hebrews tells us, nothing is hidden from the sight of the Lord, all things are open and laid bare before him (Hebrews 4:13). What a blessing it is to be able to go before his throne of grace, there to receive mercy and find help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Because his eyes are always on us, there is a measure of hope, comfort and peace always available to us (Psalms 147:1-5, Hebrews 4:14-15, Hebrews 13:5-6).
The second verse of a song by E.S. Lorenz proclaims, “The cares of life come thronging fast, Upon my soul their shadow cast; Their gloom reminds my heart at last, Thou thinkest Lord of me! Thou thinkest Lord of me, Thou thinkest Lord of me, What need I fear when thou art near and thinkest Lord of me.” There are times when a feeling of loneliness sweeps down over my soul, times when my heart is pained so deeply that tears flow from my eyes and I feel so helpless. But then I go to my Father in prayer, remembering through those tear dimmed eyes that the Lord does think about me, that he cares for me, and he will strongly support me. What about you? How do you feel about all of this? Today, I pray that your heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving and made glad because you know, the eyes of the Lord move to and fro through all the earth giving strong support to you because you have given your heart to him in full obedience to his will.
I can think of no better way to end this message than to do so with the words of Isaiah 40:28-30,
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." O, how I love these words because they bring a measure of strength, consolation and deliverance I need when the path I must walk becomes difficult and I believe they can and will do the same for you.
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
