Day 10

Ojo de Dios
I remember my high school Spanish teacher sharing with us about this ancient Indian/Mexican artifact. The idea is that the eyes of the gods watch people.  This was done with a positive slant, hoping that the gods would protect the family and the home.  And as is the case with so many other religious icons, mankind ends up putting their hope in the icon itself, rather than on the person/power that the icon is supposed to represent.  Been to a Catholic church lately?
Psalm 33: 18 - "Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy."  Murray begins Day 10 by admonishing us to keep our eyes on God, as He keeps His eyes  on us.  "This is the blessedness of waiting upon God, that it takes our eyes and thoughts away from ourselves, even our needs and desires, and occupies us with our God."  But wait, I like thinking about myself, my problems, my needs, etc.  If I don't think about them, who will?  Isn't it my responsibility to worry about all these things and get out there and make things happen?!  I'm learning that there is much more peace and rest in waiting on Him, as opposed to me being consumed, stressed and anxious about tomorrow.  Of course I have responsibility, but my greatest duty right now is to seek Him and wait.  How amazing our God is!  Murray describes the apparent contradictions that show up when we look at who God is, and yet explains how "all apparent contradictions are reconciled. Righteousness and peace, judgment and mercy, holiness and love, infinite power and infinite gentleness, a majesty that is exalted above all heaven, and a condescension that bows very low."  
The power and gentleness comparison reminds me of an illustration I've heard many times.  It makes me think of me and my son.  Even though I don't possess enormous physical presence or power, I am bigger and stronger than my son.  And you could find us play fighting or wrestling around the house at times.  Because I am stronger than he is, I could easily overpower Him and cause serious injury to him.  I have that ability.  But because of my love for him, as my own, I am gentle.  I hold back some of that power so I don't hurt him.  God is much the same way.  He is infinitely more powerful than anyone, any force, anything.  He is the creator of this crazy place.  But with that power comes a gentleness that is hard for us to comprehend.  It's the image of a child sitting in the lap of a father, lovingly protected and cared for.  Isn't He incredible?
Last thoughts on Day 10:  Here's a challenge.  Turn on the TV any evening and find a religious channel.  Now tune in to a modern day "preacher" in some big church.  Does this sound familiar?  "You are a victor, not a victim".  Or what about "God wants you to be happy and prosperous and healthy."  Now, read Psalm 33:18-22.  How about this part, "to keep them alive in famine."  Wait a stinkin' minute!  Doesn't God prevent famine in our lives?  Doesn't God want "the best life now" for me?  Murray closes with this:  "Not to prevent the danger of death or famine-this is often needed to stir up to wait on Him-but to deliver and to keep alive.  The dangers are often very real and dark; the situation, whether in the temporal or spiritual life, may appear to be utterly hopeless; there is always one hope: God's eye is on them.  That eye sees the danger, and sees in tender love His trembling, waiting child, and sees the moment when the heart is ripe for the blessing, and sees the way in which it is to come."  I've learned to pray God's will for my life and for the life of others.  So I'm out of work right now.  What prayers do I want lifted to heaven for me?  Not that I would find a job tomorrow.  Not that all my troubles will "seem so far away." But that during this crisis in my life, God would do what He wants to do with me.  That he will teach me humility, dependence and true waiting on Him. And that He would provide for us in an incredible way, day by day.  May I learn the lessons I need to learn as I wait on Him.