“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will give counsel—My eye is on you.” Psalm 32:8, TLV

Happy New Year! Walking Together!   May the LORD bless you and yours in wonderful ways! Thanks for supporting this little devotional blog. Whether you’re new or long-time readers, I hope you’ll continue to walk with me on this faith journey together.

In today’s verse, we have another theme where context is so important—My eye is on you. Sounds a bit spooky, at least intimidating. Actually, it is meant as a comfort. Here’s why.

The context of the psalm is that David bemoans his unsettled heart and mind. Why is he unsettled? He has sinned and, as yet, has not confessed this sin to the LORD. Like a thorn under a fingernail, the spiritual pain is excruciating. Until it is removed, it won’t go away.

Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said: “I confess my transgressions to ADONAI [the LORD],” and You forgave the guilt of my sin.”    Selah (vs. 5, TLV)

Once David confesses, the LORD forgives, then responds with today’s verse. These are words of restoration and care — not “I have My eye on you because I am angry with you.”

For my eyes are toward You, God my Lord. In You I have taken refuge—do not expose my soul. (Psalm 141:8, TLV)

In Psalm 141, David’s plea to the LORD includes his desire to keep his eyes toward GOD as his refuge and also so that GOD can guide him through difficult times.

That’s what this phrase is all about — guidance.

As a mother watches their child take their first steps, or walks by their side, she keeps her eyes toward her child to keep them from harm — to help them learn. And, for the shear joy of watching that child advance and learn. When they stumble or fall, she doesn’t scold them. She picks the little one up and gives a snuggle, then sets them on their feet again.

I like that, don’t you?