Who's Watching? He Is.

Who’s Watching? Have you ever been embarrassed in private? Earlier this week I had a moment I don’t think I’ll be able to forget. It all started with my great need to go to the bathroom. I had my son in his stroller and we were out and about. I found the ladies’ room and off I went. I got the only handicap stall available, thank the Lord. I’m sure that you all know the difficulty trying to get your child, stroller, purse, and diaper bag into one of those little stalls. Anyway, when I got to the stall, I noticed that there were no tushie paper protectors that I could put on the toilet seat. Had I noticed that earlier, I would have camped our two-person wagon train in a small stall and, I wouldn’t have taken off my pants so soon. So there I was with my naked moon swingin’ around trying to put enough toilet paper on the seat to keep me from contracting who knows what. With all the toilet seat hysteria finished I was finally able to go…just in the nick of time. And then…after I sat down I saw that the crack between the door and the stall wall was enormous and it was right where my tush was giving a show! I’m not kidding! The gap was about two inches wide and it was located where you could have eye contact where any “passer-bye” could see a show for free! Luckily, I didn’t have anyone whistle or boo at me. Heaven knows that- that show would have been rated R for it’s graphical content. I was hoping and praying that no one was watching. Has anyone painted a picture of God for you that seemed like if you do something wrong, He will strike you down with a lightening bolt? When I was little, we went to a church, (for a short time), where condemnation was preached so much that it seemed to be the “Sunday Special”. I could hear this man say “God is watching so you’d better not screw up”! Or he would talk in circles around himself theologically, that I’m not sure if he even knew what he was talking about. Judgment, wrath, sin, Hell’s fire, gnashing of teeth, and death were his personal favorites to preach on. It’s true that those things exist. However, fear should never be the basis of our relationship with God. The Bible tells of many people who were embarrassed about something that they had done that God loved them through without the lightening bolt experience. For instance, he loved David even after his mistake of infidelity with Bathsheba, he was with Jonah when- in rebellion, ended up in the belly of a large fish, he loved Adam and Eve during their time of complete embarrassment and humiliation. So, who’s watching what‘s going on in your life today? God is. Whether your in a time of trial, joy, or a time of decision, God is watching. This is a great thing! He is our ally and advocate! His watching and knowing the heart of every man is a great advantage! Here’s why: he’s not just watching you- he’s watching out for you, he will never give up on you even in the absolute worst of times, and he will never take advantage of you even though he knows your every weakness. You are his most prized and beloved daughters. He loves you with an everlasting love. Understand that his motive is to enjoy a love relationship with you that is undoubtedly the best that he has to offer. Don’t live in condemnation because he’s watching, live in peace because he sees you right where you are. The scripture verse for the week is Romans 8:1&2 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Love you all dearly, Dede