A Knowing Eye
Bible in a Year: Genesis 29-30; Matthew 9:1-17
I will instruct you . . . I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8
Today's Scripture: Psalm 32:1-5, 9-11
Insight
For about a year after David’s sin of adultery, he failed to repent until the prophet Nathan confronted him (2 Samuel 11-12). Most scholars believe that David wrote Psalm 32 after confessing his sin. In this penitential psalm, he speaks of the crushing burden of unrepentant guilt (vv. 3-4) and the subsequent joy of receiving God’s forgiveness (vv. 1-2, 5). The psalmist also emphasized the priority of submitting to God’s instructions (vv. 8-9). The unnamed author of Psalm 119 dispensed the same wisdom for living a life that honors God: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (vv. 9-11). We too grow closer to God as we echo the resolve of the psalmist: “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (v. 16).
Jason and Pierre had worked together for a decade putting siding on houses. They were good friends, but neither was talkative. As they worked, they said hardly a word. Yet they knew each other so well that this was seldom a problem. The two could rely on the mere nod of a head or glance of the eyes to communicate. Small gestures spoke volumes.
Psalm 32 evokes this level of familiarity between God and the psalmist. One version renders verse 8 this way: “I will guide you with my eye” (nkjv). God isn’t looking from afar; He’s a loving Father working in partnership with His child. While the psalm begins with confession of sin (vv. 1-5), the focus is not on punishment but on loving redirection as God teaches His child the right path (vv. 6-7).
The other option is to be like the horse or the mule, which “must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you” (v. 9). The picture is of willful defiance and ignorance of God’s way. As believers in Jesus, we are to develop a deep intimacy with God so we’re in tune with His gentle gestures. One way we develop this intimacy is through reading the Scriptures. This helps us “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25) so we’ll love what God loves. Then we can “rejoice in the Lord and be glad” (Psalm 32:11).
Reflect & Pray
In what ways has your spiritual life perhaps become mere ritual? How do you develop intimacy with God as you read and reflect on the Scriptures?
Dear Father, thank You for not only knowing me intimately but also asking me to partner with You as You advance Your kingdom.