God Sees All

My father only took a few photos of my early childhood and most have been mislaid over the years. One that has survived is of an angelic imp. I was standing with my toes pointing inwards - I still have that tendency even now - clutching a crushed flower in both hands. It was obvious I knew I had done something naughty, because my eyes were screwed tight. My reasoning was, nobody would see me because my eyes were closed. I couldn't fool my father though, because at that age he knew me so very well. He must have smiled, even though I had spoiled one of his prize blooms.

Aren't we like this sometimes? We may do or think things in secret, thinking it doesn't really matter as no one knows. Such things as those unhealthy habits that we pass off as common place and harmless. The admiring glance that grows into a lingering covetous look. The critical thoughts we justify because we are convinced we are in the right.

Our heavenly Father has an intense love for us and knows exactly how we feel and think. It must hurt Him to see us hurting ourselves in this way and distancing ourselves from His love. He longs for us to come to Him and experience His total acceptance, cleansing and freedom as He lifts our shame from us.

"There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves." Hebrews 4:13 Good News Bible

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Be Still!

"Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 ESV)

When I was in a high-pressure job, I really looked forward to vacation time. Once we’d arrived at our destination and I was seated by the pool, the relief was evident. It took several days however, before I even began to relax, let alone be quiet inside. When I retired I discovered something else. I made my own stress, so couldn’t blame it all on my work. The need was still there.

Jesus had to get away from the demands made upon him. If he needed to get alone with his Father, then surely we do too? So often it’s hard to find quality time in our daily schedule, when ‘busyness’ seems to take over. We become in danger of just giving lip service to our precious relationship. Perhaps making do with a few hurried prayers, thinking we’ll leave the rest for later. But ‘later’ never happens!

It can take effort to be still, I mean really still in our thoughts, feelings and body. It can seem like the whole world wars against it. But I find, as we lay aside our agendas, and keep looking to Him, the thoughts and problems grow dim and fade away. When we eventually get ‘there’ and become quieted within our very being, it becomes effortless. It’s then when we are left with just the real presence of God.

This is the place where, for a moment, we can soar on the mountain tops, find out who we really are and even hear his voice. There may be none of this, but above all else we know that we know, He is God. Words cannot describe it. But the very silence declares “I am God” and our hearts cry out for Him.

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