DAILY WORD 7/8/21

3The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:3 NLT

Today’s Passage takes the form of a cautionary tale for those who persist in sin and encouragement for those trying to live Godly lives. It is both a potential Blessing and Curse depending on how you decide to live your life.

Given its span of possible positive and negative meaning, this Verse perfectly frames the Duality of God. He is not just one thing at one time but many things simultaneously, which is one of the things that makes Him God in the first place.

The Lord is Capable of being both a Protector and an Avenger, a Redeemer and a Judge. He can display both Love and Anger and do so in the very same Breath. That does not prove Him inconsistent; it exhibits His Flexibility.

And thank God for that! In light of our own glaring inconsistencies, His Constancy in Variability is paramount to our survival and ability to grow in our Relationship with Him. Without His Ability and Willingness to bend and Demonstrate Mercy, none of us would ever have the chance to be Saved.

Therefore, when the author says, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place,” if you are living to further your Relationship with Him, this is an inspiring and reassuring statement. It bolsters your courage and allows you to relax into your struggle instead of assuming that you are in it alone and have all the pressure heaped solely upon your shoulders.

God, seeing your struggles and issues, is right there to assist you the moment you need Him. Given His Omnipresence and Mercy, when you fail and repent, He is right there to Lend a Hand when you ask for it. However, given the opposite determination, this Promise can be either a terrifying torment or a catalyst for change.

When you hear the part of the Passage that says, “beholding the evil and the good.”, and you identify as recalcitrant and sinful, not good and faithful, it takes on a whole different meaning. There are two ways you can react.

The first way is to lean into God’s Judgment like David did when he sinned with Bathsheba. He knew he was wrong and repented. He couldn’t make up for his transgression, but he did embrace his punishment and moved on from there, using it as a guide for future decision-making.

That is the proper way to react to God’s Watchful Eye when you know you are in the wrong. But there is another way you can respond. The other way is to ignore God’s Observation and act like there will be no remuneration for your actions. Either way, be assured that God is still watching, and there will be recompense for whatever activities you decide to engage in.

So, the question becomes, which side are you on? Is this Verse frightening and uncomfortable to you, or comforting and encouraging? If it is the former, there is always time to change your behaviors, but you should do so before it is too late.

Regardless of the pain, it may cause you, changing now is far better than the alternative. Pretending like God can’t see what you are doing will only hurt you in the end. Wouldn’t it be wiser to understand the dynamic before Judgment comes? Ultimately though, the choice is up to you. What will you decide?

Have a Thought-Provoking Thursday and Choose Wisely, Your Decision Has Eternal Consequences!

#dailyword