According to the inspired psalmist, "The Lord is in His holy temple, The Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men" (Psa. 11:4, NKJV).

Although God dwells in heaven, He is constantly aware of what is taking place in the life of every person inhabiting the earth. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way: "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Heb. 4:13).

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What is God watching as He looks down from heaven upon mankind?

 

He is watching our hearts and minds. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, saying, "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings" (Jer. 17:10). The true inner character, thoughts, and intentions of each person are known to God. Because this is true, King David instructed his son, saying, "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever" (1 Chron. 28:9). When God watches our hearts and minds does He see hearts and minds that are loyal to Him and focused on godliness, or does He see hearts and minds filled with envy, hypocrisy, and impurity?

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He is watching our words. The psalmist spoke to God, saying, "For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether" (Psa. 139:4). God hears and knows every word that is uttered by every person. In light of this fact, Jesus said, "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matt. 12:36-37). When God watches our words does He hear words that praise Him, that edify others, and that are pure, or does He hear words that are false, profane, and hurtful?

 

He is watching our actions. The inspired wise man writes, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Prov. 15:3). The God of heaven is alert to all the activities and actions in which people engage at all times and in all places. Rather than simply serving as a casual observer of human behavior, God will hold man accountable for his actions. Jesus said, "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works" (Matt. 16:27). When God watches our actions does He see obedience, kindness, and unselfishness, or does He see immorality, wickedness, and deeds that are harmful to others?

Conclusion

 

Faithful servants of God should be encouraged by the fact that He is watching to continue to strive to always be pleasing in His sight. On the other hand, His watchful eye should serve as motivation for sinners to repent and seek forgiveness through the sacrifice of His Son. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Eccl. 12:13-14). As we consider our own hearts, words, and actions, is God pleased with what He sees?

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David Dann