July 18

Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD lives—the God of Israel before whom I stand—there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” — 1 Kgs 17:1 BSB

“You are the God who sees me!” (Genesis 16:13).

We all live in God’s presence. His eye is always on us. His face always shines upon us. We say this often, but many of us don’t really let the truth sink into our hearts. If we did, we would live holier lives. We wouldn’t neglect our work as we so often do if we truly believed that God is watching us as we go about our tasks.

This awareness of God’s presence would also give us hope and courage in dark times, just as it did for Hagar, who said, “You are the God who sees me!” Some people view God’s omniscience as a reason for fear and dread, but for Hagar, it was a source of love and care. God had not forgotten her or abandoned her. Though she was cast out from her earthly home, the Lord saw her and took her up.

If we are God’s children, the thought of His presence should always comfort us and make us feel secure. It is a wonderful thing to live before God, to know that His eye is upon us, and to be so familiar with Him that we are not afraid of Him.