The eye

Not the “evil eye” that seeks to do harm or to bring a curse. It’s the eye of the Lord. Not looking for someone to punish or to destroy. But to show his love and mercy. “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine” (Psalm 33:18-19).

What an amazing perspective. It’s the watchful eye of the Lord that’s ever vigilant. And the purpose is so clearly given here: “That he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.” 

That reminds me of the words of Hagar in the book of Genesis. The angel of the Lord met her while she was running away and gave her some promises that were unbelievable. It was clearly a gesture of God’s mercy. Now, see her response.

“She called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “truly here I have seen him who looks after me” (Gen 16:13). 

When you’re in distress, the worst predicament is to be “invisible” or unseen. But you may not want everyone to know the state you’re in, but you certainly want to be seen by those who care, by those who matter, and by those who can make a difference. 

Later, when she was finally driven out from the home, Hagar was in distress again. God continued to show her mercy and kindness. This time, God opened her eyes to the life-giving opportunities that were before her (Genesis 21:19). 

For Hagar as well as David, death  and famine were realities. At any moment, they were just a few steps away from both of those conditions. In both of their situations, God saw them and that made all the difference! Why not? God was the only one who could make a significant impact on their lives. And he was the one who truly cared. 

The eye of the Lord is on you today. He wants to deliver your soul from death and to keep you alive in famine. This is not the end.God is with you. He favors you. He will set your path straight. He’s got plans for you. So he is looking. He sees you. Life and abundance is the way as death and famine depart. 

– – –➤

* Join the conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments on yourBarnabas.com and share this post with others. 

* Listen to my podcast Live well, Lead well.

* You might like to watch videos I post on Youtube.