Guided By His Eye

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

The father and his young son raised their violins in perfect unison. Their bows met the stings and the music began. Perfect timing, perfect harmony. With a display of unity and the sound of elegance they blessed our hearts and lifted our thoughts heavenward in worship to our Heavenly Father. All the while, the eyes of the young boy never left the face of his father. Without a word, the eyes of the man guided his son as they played. It was obviously a stance they had taken many times before; one that was comfortable to both of them. Each one focused on the other. The father led; the boy followed. The result was magnificent.

Each time I read Psalm 32:8 I am reminded of that scene and the importance of keeping my focus where it needs to be—on the face of my Heavenly Father. I ask myself, “Am I focusing on my Father’s gaze? Am I really seeking His face to see the direction He has for me?”

The Old Testament writers spoke often of seeking God’s face. In Psalm 27:8-9 David wrote, “When You said, ‘Seek My face!’ My heart said to You, ‘Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Here the word “seek” means to search out or beseech, especially by prayer and worship.

In Psalm 63:1, David used a slightly different word when he penned, “O God, You are my God; early will seek You . . .” This specifically means to get up early in order to diligently search out God.

It’s obvious that just a simple glance in God’s direction is not enough. I need to spend time with Him in prayer, to study His Word, to listen to His still small voice as He speaks to me. And I need to lift my voice in praise and worship to the Father who never takes His eye off of me.

How blessed then is the promise, “If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” (2 Chronicles 15:2)!

“Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” (Psalm 105:4)

Heavenly Father, as this new year unfolds, I am determined to seek Your face more diligently than I ever have before. Let me fix my eyes on You and not be distracted by any other thing.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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Related articles and devotionals:
God's Requirements
Mirror, Mirror On the Wall
Bearing Fruit
God's Sovereignty
Rejoicing In God's Promises

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