The Watching World
The Watching World
Reading: 1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31, 54; Matthew 7
19 How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. 20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. (Psalm 31:19-20 NLT)
David’s life was so often in danger that God’s protection was to him a really important part of God’s blessing to him. David and his 600 or so fellow-fugitives were in danger from insanely-jealous King Saul as well as from Israel’s enemies the Philistines. If they sought refuge among the towns of Israel, they faced betrayal to Saul by their fellow Israelis, and if they moved too far away, they came up against the walled cities of the Philistine kings and their armies.
During this season, David was often in seemingly hopeless, “No Way Out” situations. The threats were serious, the dangers were real, the future often looked pretty grim. But the blessing and protection of God was just as real as the threats and the danger! The wonderful reality of it all is that God always came through, to David’s relief and delight, and to the amazement of “The watching world!”
You and I don’t necessarily face the same physical threats and dangers David and his men faced in the Judean wilderness, but challenges do come our way. We face needs beyond our resources, we face our own tests and temptations. And the truth is, the world, at least a small part of it, is watching you and me. People are watching how we deal with the battles and hardships that come our way. Are we faithful or fearful? Do we have peace or do we panic? People are watching us face our challenges and they’re watching for – and seeing – God’s blessing on our lives!
I don’t want to make too much of this, friends, but let’s remember both the faithfulness of God and the privilege of responsibility we have to the “Watching World.” Like David, let’s choose faith over fear and peace over panic!
Prayer:
Father, Please bless, provide for, and protect my trusting friends and me before “The watching world.” May we choose faith over fear, and peace over panic, and may we represent you well before “the watching world.” Now. Always. Amen.