“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
What should I make of that, O Lord? Those words trouble me before they give me any comfort. You’re looking for someone who is blameless before You? Pass over me and look for someone else. I go to church. Why, I’m even a minister. That’s outside; that’s what people see. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). You know those feelings that well up within me, the feelings that I stifle, and I should because they are sinful. You know those thoughts I have that I keep in my head. How shamed I would be if they got out! “O Lord, you have searched me and known me” (Psalm 139:1). Keep Your eyes moving; don’t stop to examine me! You want someone blameless? It’s not me; it’s not any of us. “Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you” (Psalm 143:2).
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (Psalm 24:3-5). Searching God, who plays it straight before You and others? Who’s not deceitful at some time or other? Who doesn’t retaliate when hurt? Who is sinless? Only One, O Lord. Only Your Son (1 Peter 2:22-24). Please, see me through Jesus! “Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee” (Lutheran Service Book, 761, 1).
That’s the only way we frail sinners can take comfort in Your searching our hearts and lives. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him” For Jesus’ sake, stop and gaze lovingly on us with Your strong support today!
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