Strength

SCRIPTURE:  For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

THOUGHT: I mentioned this verse in Tuesday’s devotional, but love it so much that I want to press into it this morning. It is painted on a wall at one of my previous churches – the one where I came back to God two decades ago, broken and at the bottom of the barrel. God met me there – in the barrel, at that wall, and inside that worship center.

I realize now, that had I seen the Scripture five years before, it would have probably seemed creepy to feel the eyes of God on me, and isn’t that sad? That’s probably the way many humans feel. But in the desperate years of my prodigal return – running as hard toward God as I had been running away – the presence of the Father was like life. I came to love all of the great and wonderful truths of Scripture, including this one: God isn’t a dispassionate watcher, and he isn’t watching his children to criticize each little movement they make; he’s watching for hearts reaching, longing, committed to him, and why? So that he can provide strength. The downhill slide is always easy, but the repentance and return and daily grind take great strength.

What about you? How do you feel about those eyes that are always on you? Are you running from, or running to the Father that is watching and waiting? And do you need his strength or are you doing just fine on your own?

PRAYER: Oh God, I’m so grateful that throughout history you’ve continued to pursue the prodigal, never leaving, never forsaking. And even more amazing, you don’t only pursue, you bless committed hearts with strength beyond our own.