Bread for the JourneySample

His Gaze on Us

One of King David's most beautiful expressions about his God is found in Psalm 139. In this psalm, David is in awe of God's greatness and how His presence fills everything. But there are some words that make me feel immensely privileged when I apply them to my life. They say: “You hem me in—behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” (Psalm 139:5-6, NIV)

I imagine you feel the same way. Knowing that the God of all creation has His hand upon us and that we are surrounded by Him is incomprehensible. Well, the psalmist himself says it: "I cannot attain it." And it's true, because when we have even a minimal awareness of the majesty and magnificence of our God, we are left perplexed by the reality of His presence in our lives.

In another psalm, where God Himself speaks, we read the following: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV) We should feel immensely privileged that God's gaze is on us, instructing us and giving us understanding so that we may walk in the right way.

The world is moving further and further away from God, what a regrettable and tragic decision. But for those of us who love Him, the certainty of His closeness to us gives us the strength and encouragement we need to continue our path, trusting in His protection and guidance.

King David's relationship with his God was so close that he could say: “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” (Psalm 3:3, NIV) God is around us like a shield, which means we are cared for by Him, that we are not alone, and that His presence covers and defends us.

God's words are true, and when they come into conflict with our reality—when things aren't as good as we'd like—that truth still stands. David had moments of anguish, persecution, and brokenness, and at times he felt faint. However, there was a truth revealed in his heart that kept him going. He knew that God had surrounded him behind and before and that His presence was with him.

Believe God; confess that He is your shield and your protection. Believe that His gaze is upon you and that He surrounds you like a shield, keeping and protecting you. Keep walking.