My youngest grandchild has begun to climb out of his crib with his mattress as low as possible while wearing his sleep sack. It’s a feat. The security camera recording shows his formidable skills forward, backward, slow motion and fast.
He just sort of vaults and swings. And bingo, he is over. Quite remarkable, really. The athleticism amazes me.
I watch the operation on my daughter-in-law’s cell phone. In her palm lies the recording of every movement of that little boy in the last eight hours.
Kinda like God who sees all we do.
The thought of up close and personal etched into real time video is daunting. Which strikes me as being rather silly for someone who has been taught since a child that God sees everything I do.
My life rolls images like an old Candid Camera spot, and I think through my day.
“Did I use too stern of a voice?”
“Was I too aggressive?”
“Maybe I was harsh when I should have shown more patience.”
I resonate with the Psalmist’s plea in Psalm 130:3 NIV, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?”
The vaulting of a little boy over the safe boundaries of his crib has convicted my heart. Because I’m well aware that God sees all and what’s hidden under my skin is perfectly revealed to Him. I get impatient. I can be unkind. Sometimes I get angry.
Psalm 130 is one of the Psalms of Ascent. They were songs which accompanied the Jewish community as they made their yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The fifteen songs prepared the way for worship in the temple. They were often soul searching prayers, laments, and praises full of anticipation.
They walked the dusty path that Jesus would one day walk, not only to worship, but to give His own life.
The Psalmist begins the chapter with intense need from deep within his heart.
“Out of the depths, I cried to you Lord.” (Ps. 130:1 NIV)
He knew where to turn and to whom.
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins…”
I’m so glad the Psalmist didn’t stop there, with the full screen showing an erring child.
“But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” Psalm 130:4 NIV
Forgiveness opens the way for worship. While God’s chosen made their way up the dusty hill to worship in Jerusalem, this song reminded them that God sees the sins others do to us and the ones we commit against others. And they recognized sin’s record could not be overcome without confession and forgiveness.
Forgiveness is fundamental if we claim a reverence of God. Service to God spills from the miracle of a forgiven heart. Unbarred worship is the joyous outcome.
Jesus walked the road to Calvary and took upon Himself our sin, every one unhidden to His eyes. With a pure love He gave His life so that we can know His forgiveness. Wronged, abused and abased, the perfect Lamb of God forgave even as He breathed His last. This is the example He left for us to follow.
He continues faithful to forgive, to erase the reels of sin.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NIV
My technological savvy is non-existent. But one thing that strikes me as I watch the images of my little grandson, there is a God who sees all I do, down to every impatient word, roll of the eyes, or facial grimace. And with all my heart I want no barriers between us.
J.D. Wininger
Another great post Ms. Sylvia. I find great comfort in knowing that even though God see all, He forgives all when His Son is our Savior, because when He looks upon us, He sees Jesus! God’s blessings my imperfect, but soon to be, friend.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks J.D. You always are such an encourager. I too was struck by how forgiving and merciful He is as I read this passage. Your comment about “He sees Jesus,” is a breathtaking thought!!
Linda Lou Brucato
His patience knows no end! Forgives and cleanses. And then, as if that wasn’t enough, He gives us His righteousness! That blows my mind!
Sylvia Schroeder
Blows mine too Linda. So grateful. Thanks.
Terri Miller
Wonderfully encouraging! Without total transparency the isn’t true intimacy.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Terri! Love your comment “without total transparency there isn’t true intimacy.” We are so blessed by a God who sees all.
Barbara Latta
Forgiveness is so essential to worship. It does open the way for our hearts to receive from God. Thanks for this post!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Barbara! Open hearts for worship. I like that thought. I appreciate you reading and commenting!
Tammy Kennington
Hi Sylvia,
Thank you for this lovely post.
I am beyond grateful that He looks past my sin and, though He knows every wrong move, catches me in His arms.
Blessings,
Tammy
Sylvia Schroeder
Yes. I am also so grateful! Thanks Tammy!
Debbie Wilson
Sylvia, this reminds me of Ps. 139. When I used that passage to teach some teens how to study the Bible, one gal was horrified to know God knew her thoughts!
Sylvia Schroeder
It’s both horrifying and magnificent isn’t it! Thanks so much Debbie!
Nancy E. Head
We are never alone. He sees all. I love this post!
Sylvia A Schroeder
Thank you Nancy! I’m honored you liked it! Grateful we are never alone!
Katherine Pasour
Even though I know God sees and hears all that I do, I sometimes forget in the heat of the moment and blurt out something or do something for which I am ashamed of later. I’m so thankful that our Father is forgiving, helps us learn from our mistakes, and guides us to do better. Thank you for this encouraging message.
Sylvia Schroeder
Katherine, that is the way I feel too. I also am so grateful for a forgiving Father and His patient way of dealing with me. Thanks so much for your comment!
Leigh DeLozier
I loved learning about the Psalms of Ascents in a Beth Moore study years ago. You’ve made me want to go back and look through my workbook again! 🙂 Isn’t it amazing how the smallest things in everyday life can remind us of God? I love that.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Leigh! It is such a gift that God does remind us through those small things! Thank you for reading and love your response!