God's Awareness! (part 1 of 2)

When the nation of Israel was being encouraged with regard to the land God was leading them toward and of which He was going to give them, there was a two-fold manner in which Israel was to be conscious of God’s awareness. There was the need “to fear the LORD your God” and walk in His ways. ( Deuteronomy 10:12) God would be fully aware of whether there was faithfulness to Him or not. The discipline of the Lord was to be remembered as a sign of His greatness. ( Deuteronomy 11:2) Life lived under the watchful eye of God was something to be seriously considered. He was to be reverenced and His Will was to be obeyed.

The other side of being mindful of God’s awareness was to be a great source of encouragement that God’s help was available as all the experiences of life -- whether challenging or peaceful -- were within His full view. Therefore Israel was encouraged. . .

“(11) But the land that you are going over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water by the rain from heaven, (12) a land that the LORD your God cares for. THE EYES OF THE LORD YOUR GOD ARE ALWAYS UPON IT, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.” ( Deuteronomy 11:11-12 ESV)

As the nation of Israel continued to rightfully acknowledge their relationship with God and the life blessings He continued to provide, it was to be an encouraging thought to know the “EYES OF THE LORD” would always be upon the land in which they lived. God would continue to be fully aware of what the nation needed and they would be richly blessed in that land under GOD’S WATCHFUL EYE.

During the days of Solomon, after he had prayed a lengthy prayer following the dedication of the temple built for God, the Lord appeared to him with encouragement regarding His continued awareness of what would take place there, provided the nation continued in faithfulness to Him. (note warning of 1 Kings 9:6-9)

God expressed His encouragement as follows:
“(3) And the LORD said to him, ‘I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. MY EYES AND MY HEART WILL BE THERE FOR ALL TIME.” ( 1 Kings 9:3 ESV)

The place where God had placed His Name and where God would be met as worship was offered up to Him, was where HIS EYES AND HEART would be! What an encouragement to know that not only GOD’S WATCHFUL EYE, but also HIS AFFECTION would be focused on where His people were.

Living under the “EYES OF THE LORD” ought be a sobering thought, but it should also be a source of great encouragement to us. Lord willing we will consider this thought further tomorrow.

Have a great day ENCOURAGED BY WHERE GOD HAS FOCUSED HIS EYES AND HEART!
Carl

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