Friday, April 18,
2008
Unconditional Love
Series
Psalm 23:4 “I will fear no evil for
you are with me”
The Ever Presence of
God
Averette
said, “Honey, everywhere I look in our house, someone is looking back at
me!” It is true! Hanging on the walls of our home are seventeen
portraits all with at least one set of eyes. I like to paint
people. Downstairs there are statues of St. Luke, John the Baptist,
the Dying Gall, and David, a family collection begun by Averette’s Dad of
serving cups with faces of famous people that amount to 118 eyes that stair out
of their case. Added to that number photographs of family and
friends in every room look back at us. Averette is indeed
correct. Everywhere you look in our house, someone is looking back at you.
My grandmother used to remind me that God was watching
everywhere I go! In my childhood and youth that concept was
disturbing. Most particularly, I found the concept of God watching
troubling when I was doing something that I felt would disappoint
Him. The memory of my grandmother, with her hands on her hips, still
haunts me as I consider some wrong acts I have done or think I could still
do. Actually, God watching is only fearful in our sin.
Mostly, I pray that God keeps me near as I make my
choices. In truth we long for God to be ever present always watching
and guiding us. The 23rd Psalm celebrates God’s presence
as He leads us in life. God is present from the peaceful times by the
quiet waters and the green pastures to the times of the shadow of death.
This most beloved Psalm expresses gratitude that God is with us when we
face our enemies and the evils of life. The closing lines remind us
that God’s goodness and love are steadfast all our days and in the end, we will
dwell in God’s heavenly house for all times.
I find comfort in the ever presence of God. Even
in my mistakes and sin, I know that if I ask God, He will forgive
me. God is like an ever watchful parent. He loves his children
even if He sometimes is disappointed. God’s ever presence can be a
comforting source of strength. Wherever we go, the loving eyes of God are
on us indeed. He is, as we turn towards Him, looking back at us.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for loving me enough to never take
your eyes off of me. Amen.