The Eyes of the Lord

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs there is! It can bring so much joy and pride as we watch our children grow and change.

But it can also be very difficult – always challenging, often overwhelming and stressful, and sometimes even scary. It’s a huge responsibility and takes much time, commitment, effort, and love along the way. The hardest part of all has to be just letting go and giving our kids the opportunity to become their own independent, individual selves, doing things their own way.

And when they do get ready to spread their wings, we just hope and pray that we have sufficiently provided them with the necessary confidence, guidance, ability, and strength to do it on their own.

It’s really scary to let them take their first steps, walk into the kindergarten class for the first time alone, drive off in a car, go off to college, or move into a place of their own. We may want to hold on to them and not let them go, or at least, we may want to go along with them to make sure they make the best decisions and to be there if they need us! But most of all, we hope they will seek our guidance and direction as they face new experiences!

But sometimes we just have to let go and let them do it on their own. When our kids were growing up and at school or with friends, how many times I must  have thought to myself: I wish I could just see if they are ok – to make sure they are safe, happy, being respected, or behaving well, or eating well, or being taught or treated the way I would want them to be, etc. etc. (And my kids would probably tell you that that hasn’t changed much with adulthood!) As parents we love our children and are concerned about them ALL the time – no matter their age! Just as our parents have always been about us!

I thought of how much God thinks of us, His children, in the same way. He wants us to have the confidence of knowing we can make it in this world, and if we call out to Him, He will always hear us and be near with His love and care. He wants to give us His guidance and strength – if we will only let Him.

But sometimes we are just like our children and we want to do it on our own and in our own way. We want to be in control and take matters into our own hands. And when, or if, we fail, just like a loving parent, He will be there to pick us up.

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” What a beautiful thought! Imagine Him looking around the earth from His throne in heaven, searching to see if one of us needs His help, or guidance, or strength. We can trust God’s sovereign care.

Psalm 121 :8 assures us that “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” If we have hearts that look to Him and rely on His presence, He will keep His eyes always on us, seeking to cover us with his love and grace. He is our heavenly Father, and He cares for His children who are committed to Him. What greater comfort could there be than to know He is always “looking” out for us!

 Prayer

Our most gracious and loving Father, thank you that you never tire of looking out for your children, get frustrated with us, or completely just let us go. Thank you that you are always there, caring for us and giving us what we need. Amen

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