Completing its inaugural rotation in March 2000, the Eye of London provides riders with a sweeping view of England’s capital city. Perhaps because it looks much like a giant Ferris wheel, the Eye has been the topic of mixed reviews. Its modern design stands in stark contrast to the deeply historical architecture it looks over.
The Eye reminds me of the grandness and clarity of God’s view of events in this world, as compared to our finite perspectives. Because our fallen nature bends toward self-absorption, we easily become wrapped up in what we can see with our physical eyes. In the midst of his suffering, Job hungered for a context in which to place the deep pain he experienced. Confused by God’s seeming silence, he exclaimed, “I cry to You, O God, but You don’t answer. I stand before You, but You don’t even look” (Job 30:20). The question has echoed throughout the centuries: Does God see?
Scripture answers clearly. Not only does He see beyond what we comprehend, but nothing transpires in our lives without His attention (Job 34:21; Psalm 34:15). God’s response to Job was not to answer the why’s of his suffering. Instead, He called attention to the greatness of His sovereignty. While God was more than capable of leaving Job in the dust in brokenness and shame, His purpose was greater than making Job feel little. If He is powerful enough to contain the boundaries of the oceans (38:8-11), then certainly He has the strength to sustain us through all things—even life-altering pain.
More than a peripheral glance, we are the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10 NIV; Zechariah 2:8). His perspective, however, often involves answers beyond our comprehension. Peace comes in knowing that He sees completely, anticipating our need (2 Corinthians 9:8-11).
More:
Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him! (Matthew 6:8).
Next:
Have you ever felt as if God weren’t looking at you and your concerns? Why must we look beyond our view to find His perspective on our circumstances?
Gary4orphans on January 18, 2010 at 9:23 am
It is often easy to look at our own lives and the condition of the world generally and conclude that God is distant and not attentive. When people lacking a God perspective look at the current situation in Haiti, or long standing and continuing poverty, war and suffering it is easy for such people to draw the conclusion that if God exists He is uncaring. Of course, people with a godly perspective have the opposite point of view. God does love and He does care and He is working. Sometimes in ways we can plainly see but often behind the scene as with Job. Just because we cannot see the plan doesn’t mean there isn’t one. God could just snap His fingers and make everything perfect. For reasons of His own, He has chosen instead to use US, people as His vessels. God reveals Himself to a hurting world through us, His children. Let’s pray about how God will use each of us to show His love and concern for this hurting planet. Let us, people, be His hands and feet, His voice, and channels of blessing so that no one can doubt that God cares. Ask God to reveal how you and I can show this love to those in great need, let us be presentatives of Jesus Christ “with skin on.”
allyyates on January 18, 2010 at 9:30 am
beautifully said…gary4orphans…. we so often make our “problems” about us and our suffering and what’s happening to me. Why Lord? Instead of looking it as an opportunity to worship the Lord Jesus and make God “bigger” to someone else as we respond to Him in praise and worship while going through the trial.
bethanyF on January 18, 2010 at 10:01 am
At times I’ve felt and wondered if God cared about the things I was going through. I have severe anxiety problems and other issues. I have a hard time sometimes understanding that God does care. I feel like I suffer so much and he doeesn’t even care, but I know that is not true. His word is true and he is true. I know it is just my sinful nature or the devil making me think he doesn’t care. The Lord has blessed me so much. I couldn’t afford the medicines I am on and I prayed and prayed and applied to get them for free and God answered my prayers. I was accepted into the free medicine programs. God is good.
jjw2855 on January 18, 2010 at 6:35 pm
“The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. “ Psalm 34:15. This is one of my favourite verses. God is in control. Praise be to God almighty. jjw2855 🙂
Chileshe on January 18, 2010 at 8:22 pm
I am often reminded of our compulsive nature of quiclky reverting to the positions of me, myself and I. Our inherent sinful nature is such, if not checked, a pulling force. Nevertheless, we are comforted knowing that the Lord who moulded this planet and put us here will always remind us that life is not all about us. “Love your neighbour as yourself”. My neighbour is not just Mr Jones next door. My neighbour is also the affected people of Haiti, the war dying of Iraq, Afganistan, the Darfurians, the homeless in our streets or indeed that man who asks you for change just so he can buy something to eat. The questions that GOD pauses to Job can leave anyone, proud or otherwise, speechless. Praise to GOD that I do not think myself above the maker of heaven and earth. Indeed, who can contain the waters of the sea within their boundaries? Amen
regina franklin on January 24, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Oh, that the Lord would break the chains of self off of our lives and that we would become the very workers in the harvest that we are to pray for.
We can only share or give away what we own. If we own fear, doubt and unbelief, we will find it difficult to give away the truth that God keeps count of the very hairs on our heads, that His purposes are for our good and His glory and that nothing can separate us from His love.
Thanks so much for sharing.