God’s Thought of Me

“You are a God that sees me.”– Genesis 16:13 (R.V. margin).

“How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God.”– Psalm 139:17.

Hagar was an Egyptian slave girl who had been brought up amid the idolatries of Egypt, and had no sort of idea that the gods had any personal interest in so insignificant a human atom as she was. Probably in Abraham’s encampment she had heard of Jehovah, but would doubtless think of Him as being equally outside the limits of her little life. What care should the God of her master and mistress have for her, as she fled from the harsh treatment of Sarah, and was in danger of perishing in the lonely desert? Then, suddenly, in her despair, she heard the voice of the Angel-Jehovah speaking to her, and she called Him “The Living One who sees me”.

To her the thought was an inspiration and comfort, enabling her to return and submit herself to Sarah. But to many these words have been a note of fear and judgment. They have thought of God as spying upon their evil ways, and have shrunk from the thought of His eye seeing them. That thought, however, is not the significance of these inspiring words, but that we can never wander into the far country, or take one weary step in loneliness without the tender notice of God our Father, who notices even the sparrow that falls to the ground.

The Psalmist had the same thought when he wrote the 139th Psalm. When he says that God knows his down sitting and rising up, that his thoughts and ways are all open to His Almighty Friend, it is in a tone of rapturous gladness. It is the prerogative of friendship to love the presence and thought of a friend, and the crowning characteristic of Christianity is that we are admitted into personal friendship with our Lord. He knows our thoughts afar off. With an instant sympathy He enters into our anxieties and discouragements. Wherever we go He precedes and brings up the rear; we are encompassed by His care behind and before. Let every reader open the door to this great Friend, remembering that His one test is obedience: “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Thus you will find His presence the delight of your life (Rev 3:20).

PRAYER

We thank You, O God, that You have been near our path, considering all our ways, and encompassing us with blessing. Your eye has been upon us to deliver our soul from death, and to be our help and shield. For all Your gracious care we thank You. AMEN.

From Our Daily Walk by F B Meyer (available free to read online)