God distinguishes his own
by Stuart Gray
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But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love (Psalm 33:18).
Read Psalm 33:12–22
This psalm is a poetic expression of praise to God, emphasising his sovereignty, creative power and faithfulness. It calls people to worship and trust in the Lord.
But what struck me was the highlighted text, particularly when read in conjunction with verse 13: ‘From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all humankind.’
God sees all of humanity and understands the hearts of all. But he has a special place for those who are faithful to him and have hope in his love: ‘The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him … to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine’ (verses 18 and 19).
It’s a little like having your toddler play in a group of toddlers. You see them all, but you have a special ‘eye’ for your own as you want to protect them in case something happens.
It is comforting to know God has a special relationship with us, but how often do we feel we are not looked upon by him? How much are we unaware of his keeping a special eye on us? After all, everyone benefits when it rains or suffers when it floods.
I think in this day and age, and particularly in western culture, we have a strong sense that we are in control of our lives, that we can manage without God. We put our trust in material wealth, power, status and our own abilities to manage our lives.
We also believe we have full control over the environment and the climate. Many believe we can change the climate through a few small actions, while, in reality, the world is using resources at a far greater rate than at any time in history. Psalm 104 praises God not only as the creator of all that is, seen and unseen, but also as the sustainer of the earth and all that is in it.
How many of us confidently declare ‘We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name’ (Psalm 33:20,21)?
God wants all of humanity to see his saving grace. Christ died for all. It would be a help to others if our hearts truly rejoiced in the trust we have in God’s holy name.
Heavenly Father, as the psalmist says, ‘May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.’ Give us hearts that rejoice in your name and in the salvation that is given to us by grace through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Stuart is retired and, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He now loves living a peaceful life on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria. He mentors learner drivers and is a Red Cross Patient Transport driver. Stuart is also involved in the Mansfield Anglican church and the Mansfield community.
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