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Psalm 33:18 - God's Providential Care.Psalm 33:18 (NKJV) Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy,Psalm 33:18 (NIV) But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, Psalm 33:18 (NLT) But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. WORD STUDY THE "EYES OF THE LORD:" a metaphorical expression for his loving care. [Expositors Bible Commentary] THE FEAR OF THE LORD: an expression of dependency and waiting. The godly know that he will deal with them in accordance with his promise of "unfailing love." [Expositors Bible Commentary] INTRODUCTION This is not an ironclad guarantee that all believers will be delivered from death and starvation. Thousands of Christian saints have been beaten to death, whipped, fed to lions, or executed (Romans 8:35, 36; Hebrews 11:32-40). God can (and often miraculously does) deliver his followers from pain and death, though sometimes, for purposes known only to him, he chooses not to. When faced with these harsh realities, we must focus on the wise judgments of God. The writer was pleading for God's watchful care and protection. In times of crisis, we can place our hope in God. [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL The Eye of the Lord Is on Us God's eye is upon His people: their eye is upon Him. In waiting upon God, our eye, looking up to Him, meets His looking down upon us. This is the blessedness of waiting upon God, that it takes our eyes and thoughts away from ourselves, even our needs and desires, and occupies us with God. We worship Him in His glory and love, with His all-seeing eye watching over us, that He may supply our every need.... That eye sees the danger, and sees in tender love His trembling waiting child, and sees the moment when the heart is ripe for the blessing, and sees the way it is to come. This living, mighty God, oh, let us fear Him and hope in His mercy. And let us humbly but boldly say, "Our soul waiteth for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. Let Thy mercy be upon us, O Lord, according as we wait for Thee." .... Children of God! will you not learn to sink down in entire helplessness and impotence and in stillness to wait and see the salvation of God? Andrew Murray [Spirit Filled Life Devotional SB] COMMENTARY A young pastor from my church enjoyed a day at a water park with his family. His six-year-old daughter asked permission to go to an adjoining area where she could swim laps. Since Adam wanted to stay and help his wife with their younger daughter, he gave Hannah specific instructions: "Each time you come up out of the water, look over at me. As long as you can see me, I can see you. And I can save you if you get in trouble." We have Someone who always keeps His eyes on us like a loving earthly father. But Jesus can see where we are physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As Philip the apostle approached Jesus to introduce his friend, Jesus pronounced Nathanael a man of integrity. Amazed, Nathanael asked Jesus how He knew anything about him. Jesus responded, "I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you" (John 1:47-50, TLB). Jesus sees all our character traits - good and bad. He also sees the illness and disabilities we live with, the sins we struggle with, the fears we're fighting, and the loneliness that threatens to engulf us. He knows exactly what we need in every circumstance. And He is ready and willing to meet our needs in the best way possible. That fills me with peace, hope, and a deep sense of security. What better reason to keep my eyes on my loving Savior, who always keeps me in His sight? Dianne Neal Matthews Faith Step: Think of something you try to hide from people. Talk to Jesus about it, thanking Him for always seeing the real you while loving you unconditionally. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] CLOSING THOUGHT Never Give Up As a result of brutal child abuse, five-year-old Derek was diagnosed as a "hyperactive, emotionally disturbed youngster" with "mild retardation." His unmanageable behavior was his mother and stepfather's excuse for leaving him at Snedigar Cottage, what used to be the foster-care section of the Alameda County juvenile detention center. But the abandoned boy never lost hope. After being adopted by a Christian family, he grew up to be Derek Clark, a keynote speaker on childhood trauma and the author of seven books, including his inspiring memoir I Will Never Give Up. Amid his tears, another son has a conversation with himself. He asks his soul, "Why are you cast down, ... and why are you disquieted within me?" His reply to himself is "Hope in God" (Psalm 42:5). Hope, then, is something we exercise in response to being in the direst of circumstances. It helps us picture a mountaintop future while in the deepest canyon. But how can our hopes be realized? Today's promise holds the key: "The eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him: A parallel text says, "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro ... to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (2 Chronicles 16:9, emphasis added). To hope in God is to believe that He is stronger than any problem we face. We must also believe, according to today's promise, "in His mercy." Have you been cast down? Look to your heavenly Father. He is not only stronger than your enemies; He also loves you, though undeserving, "with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3). Unlike an earthly parent, He will never abandon you. Heavenly Father, thank You for being a powerful and loving God. Help me to trust in Your watch care, regardless of my circumstances. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Psalm 33:18 - God's Providential Care. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20060501-0819.html 2 Chronicles 16:9a - God Strengthens Those Fully Committed To Him. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080728-0942.html Jeremiah 31:3 - Gods Love is Everlasting. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231125-0748.html Romans 8:28 - Triumph in Tragedy. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20241211-1350.html Romans 5:3-5 - Building Character and Hope. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240213-1053.html Psalm 42:5 - Finding Hope in Discouragement and Depression. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200610-0847.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |