For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
Growing up in a very conservative home, I could not wait to go away to college, so I would not have to worry about my parents’ all-seeing eyes watching my every move. Yet when I arrived on campus, I found myself worrying more about the fact that God was watching me. I declined many invitations and did not participate in many activities because I knew God could see my every move.
The thought has shaped my spiritual walk that God is always watching me. I am not paranoid, but I do have a sense of awareness that God can see what others cannot see. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Unfortunately, many believers are more concerned about other people watching them than the Lord's eyes. Thus they become more preoccupied with their reputation than their spiritual integrity. We should be careful not to confuse our reputation with integrity. Reputation is the public perception of our integrity because it is other people’s opinions of what they think we are. That public assumption may or may not be accurate. Integrity is a reflection of our true selves. It is who we are in public or private.
My integrity is informed by the thought that God is watching me wherever I go. Therefore, I have to walk by the Spirit so I can not gratify my flesh's desires. Knowing that God is watching us should prompt us unto righteousness. We should be motivated to walk in righteousness because our Father in heaven can see our every move.
It is because the Lord's watchful eyes are upon his servants that no weapon formed against us will prosper. Without the watchful eyes of God, we would be hopeless and helpless against the enemy's attacks. God’s watchful eyes help us to stay on the path of righteousness.
One of the reasons believers are to walk by faith and not by sight is because God is watching over us. God knows all about us and sees us wherever we are. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).
The watchful eyes of God are upon the poor and oppressed. He will vindicate them according to his righteousness. God watches upon the hungry and the needy. He sees the injustice perpetrated against people from black and brown communities. He sees the abuse of battered women and how women are paid less than men for the same job.
God's watchful eyes is a blessed assurance to those who obey him. They are also a menace to the wicked. Perpetrators of evil should know that God can see their wickedness and will hold them accountable for their sinfulness. God sees everything and everyone under the sun. Nothing can be hidden from his watchful eyes.
The Psalmist says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry. But the fact of the Lord is against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth” (Psalm 34:15-16). Therefore, believers can rejoice in all circumstances and know they will see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living.
Prayer- Blessed Lord, thank you for your watchful eyes over your servants. Please give us the discipline to walk circumspectly in your presence as you lead us toward heaven.