Someone is Watching!

              When we were children, one of our biggest fears was that Santa Claus was watching and he might not like what he saw.  I recall one instance when my parent’s best friends and their children were visiting, and Santa Clause suddenly appeared in our kitchen window.  For that one evening and several days thereafter, we were the best-behaved children around, all because we knew someone was watching.  Several years later I learned that it was my Grandfather, dressed as Santa Claus, but I never forgot that moment of fear.

            In today’s culture, it’s difficult to get far without someone watching.  There are ring cameras on our doorbells, security cameras in many buildings, including our churches, and then, there are all the cell phones that are constantly snapping pictures.  You can almost be certain that someone is always watching.  If you are behaving yourself, then there’s no problem but if you are being “naughty” instead of nice, then you can be sure that someone has you in a picture.

            We don’t need cameras to remind us that someone is watching.  The Scripture makes it clear that God sees our every step (Job 34: 21) and that He keeps watch over both the wicked and the good (Proverbs 15: 3).  Does that mean that, like Santa Claus or the police officers, that He is looking for those moments when we make mistakes, when our human weaknesses take control, or when we SIN so that He can zap us or punish us in some way?

            If we have given our life to Christ, then I don’t think He keeps watch over us to see how much of a mess we can make of our lives.  I think He keeps watch to try to keep us from making those messes.  The Scripture tells us at least three reasons why He keeps watch over us.

            1.  He hears our cries (Psalm 34: 15).  Just like our parents heard those cries in the night when we were little, our Heavenly Father hears our cries, no matter our age.  As parents stand watch over their children, wanting to protect them from harm, our Father stands watch over us, ready to come to our rescue when we call.

             2.    He watches to protect and provide for us.  “Watch this:  God’s eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together” (Psalm 33: 18, 19 MSG). Just like earthly parents who want the best for their children and who want to protect them from every bad thing, regardless of their age, God is watching over His children ready to give them guidance and protection, if we will only reach out to Him.

             3.    Finally, God keeps His eyes on us to strengthen us if we are fully committed to Him (II Chronicles 16: 9).  If you have ever wondered where you got the strength to endure a personal tragedy or problem, here is your answer.  Your Heavenly Father was watching over you, waiting to give you the strength you needed to endure.

I wouldn’t begin to claim that because God is watching over you, life will be great.  Christ said very clearly “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16: 33 NIV84) but He also finished that verse with “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  We live in a fallen world, and that truth brings pain and heartache for every one of us at one time or another.  For many, it may seem to be a constant condition of their lives.  However, even in our darkest hour, there is one truth that remains.  It is the same truth that Moses said to Joshua as he prepared to assume the leadership of the Israelite people: “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV84).

Be assured that your Father is watching over you.  He has plans for you, and His only desire is that you continue to walk with Him.  He will hear your cries.  He will provide and protect.  He will give you the strength to endure.  Be thankful that He is watching!

                                                                II Chronicles 16: 9     

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