“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love.”
– Psalm 33:18
God’s particular love and attention is always on those who live with humble love, honor, respect, awe, and submission toward Him. That’s what it means to fear the Lord. In truth, every created being should love his or her Creator in this way. Many, however, don’t, even amongst those who believe. Nonetheless, if you live in the proper fear of the Lord, know that God is always near at hand and completely aware of everything going on in your life, gazing upon you with love and concern.
That doesn’t mean that God won’t permit those He’s watching over to be tested. God absolutely permits us to be tested. It’s only by testing that we prove to ourselves our confidence in God. Our testing reveals our faith to ourselves, those around us, and to the Lord. Testing prepares us to endure greater testing down the road.
It also doesn’t mean that God won’t permit suffering for those He’s watching over. God absolutely permits us to go through hard times that refine and strengthen our faith. Just as metals are refined and purified through fire, our faith is refined and purified through suffering and hardship. It’s through hard times that we discover the true value and meaning of our relationship with God and more richly experience His steadfast love.
It also doesn’t mean that God won’t permit seasons in which it feels like He isn’t watching at all. God absolutely permits us to go through seasons in the spiritual desert, when it feels to us that He isn’t present, isn’t listening, isn’t watching, and doesn’t care. These times, painful as they are, transform our faith from a shallow emotion-driven experience to a profound source of strength and power rooted in the sure promises and knowledge of God’s Word. Such faith will then sustain us through any and every challenge this mortal life may present.
Despite permitting all these things, know that God’s eye is ALWAYS gazing upon you in steadfast love, care, and concern if you live in fear of the Lord!