Snapshots

Isaiah 42:5-7

“Say cheese!” “Cheese!” Snap goes the camera – and everyone gathers around. “Were my eyes closed?” “Could you see the baby?” “Did I look . . .” (fill in the blank ladies!:-)

Seems like life brings us lots of occasions for "shapshots." Birthdays, vacations, pictures, video clips . . . our family has taken quite a few, and shared a lot of laughs in the process. Some of us work at getting the “angle just right” – try and make sure the background view will “compliment” our picture . . . while others of us just “point and shoot!” Whatever the results are, one thing is certain, when we take a moment to look at them later we have lots of memories.

During one of our travels, I was visiting with a good friend. Her first husband was a great lover of sports – especially when it came to kids and grandkids. A few years ago, he passed away with cancer. Their pastor at the time told the children that although they couldn’t talk right to their grandpa now, they could tell Jesus whatever they wanted their “Pa” to know. Then, if Jesus thought it was important enough, he would pass the message on.

A few weeks later, the family was at a baseball game. The video camera was rolling – and caught an awesome play by one of the grandchildren. Later, when the parents were watching it, they caught a bit of conversation between the children that went something like this. “Sure hope Jesus has a video camera,” said one. “Why’s that?” asked another. “Cause ‘Pa’ would really want to see that play!”

Interesting thought isn’t it? Heaven recording the events of our lives! In I Chronicles 16:9 we are told, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” Psalm 34:15 gives us the wonderful promise, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” It’s really true! The eyes of the Lord are on us – and He doesn’t even need a recording device.

When you gave a smile to a stranger with a frown – great snapshot - He saw you! When you held your tongue instead of replying with that hasty remark – awesome video clip --He knew. When you offered up a prayer for that person who had betrayed and hurt you so deeply – just a private thing not even recorded -- He heard. When you asked forgiveness -- for whatever the reason – He gladly forgave.

Oh, yes, He has an “all seeing” eye. He sees and knows the evil along with the good – but His desire is for “good snapshots!” He looks for “loyal hearts” – delights in those who seek Him with their whole heart. He smiles when “the flash” reveals those walking after His Spirit and living in His will. Psalm 18:19 says, “He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.”

Keep making God smile – you’re on “candid camera!”

Take it with you!

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:15