The Lord Watches Over Us
“But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18).
Recently, a man was driving home from an early morning prayer breakfast. Driving down a familiar road, a rustling off to one side caught his eye. He turned to look toward the movement to see what might have caught his attention. Near the road a young deer was caught in an iron fence. The motion that caught the man’s eye was the animal’s attempt to free itself. The man turned his car around, and flagged down a passing car to ask for extra help. The two men pulled off the road near the fence. The dirt underneath the small deer was worn from the struggle to get free. It was obvious the young animal had been there for a little while. The two men worked together to set it free, trying to stretch the bars and maneuver the small body through them. The bars finally gave way just enough for the young deer to fit through. It ran off, free but no doubt, worn and weary. Probably several cars had passed by that same spot that morning, but likely none had seen the desperate struggle of the scared deer.
Jesus said, “‘Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care’” (Matthew 10:29). How often do we need to be reminded that the Father sees us? His care for the sparrow reminds us that nothing happens apart from His watchful eye. He sees every circumstance, and He knows the smallest details of our lives.
After hearing the story of the young deer, my thoughts shifted to what might happen next. Will it be okay now that it is no longer trapped? Is it injured from the struggle? Then I was reminded that the Lord sees this young deer. He knows the very place it will go next, the weariness of its struggle and its greatest need. He sees our greatest need too. Jesus says, “‘Consider the ravens: They do no sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!’” (Luke 12:24) Jesus reminds us we are more valuable than the birds, yet if the Father cares for them, how much more does He care for us!
These verses today remind us that the Lord always sees us, and He cares for us. Psalm 139:1-3 tells us, “O LORD, you have searched me 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.” There is nothing going on or happening in our lives that God does not see and does not already know. Just as He saw a small deer caught in a fence and sent a helper, He sees us and desires to meet our every need. Psalm 121:2-4 shows us the Lord’s great care for those who belong to Him, “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
The Bible reminds us over and over that the Lord's watches over us. Will you be assured today that He sees you and that He cares for you?
2 Chronicles 16:9 tell us, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
-Jennifer
