Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Pastors’ Column – 03/16/09



The other day, I was in a store and noticed the ceiling security cameras strategically arranged throughout the building, hiding behind a black “half bubble.”

Security cameras are in more and more places these days – stores, schools, on street corners of larger cities, and in many other public places. The cameras can scan every square inch of space and record every movement in stores, rooms, and hallways, every hour of the day or night.

The cameras are there for a reason, of course. Sad to say, our society has had enough negative behavior take place, that we now feel the need to “keep watch” – to protect the people, the institutions, and the companies that use the cameras.

It is meant to be a comforting thing. We are watched, our lives are monitored, and our movements are known – for our own good.

Psalm 139 discusses how well God knows us, and keeps watch for our own good. “O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down, and when I get up . . . you know what I am thinking, from far away.”

And in verse 13: “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

This is how well God knows us! Molecule by molecule, moment by moment, day by day, God formed and knit each one of us together in our mother’s wombs. We are known completely, and we have been known completely from the earliest days inside our mothers.

It is good to be known so well . . . so completely by God! It is good to know that there is a Heavenly Father who knows us so well, inside and out, good and bad, and loves us still.

You may have had the wonderful experience of being known by a grandmother or grandfather who loved you completely, even though they also knew the “naughty behavior” you were sometimes capable of. Limitless, unconditional love is comforting and inviting, whether from a beloved grandparent, or from the heart of God.

We need not fear this loving God of ours, and Lent is a wonderful time to get closer to this amazing God who loves us more than we can imagine. A little more time in prayer, reading His Word, being with other people of faith, in worship . . . all of these bring us closer to God, who knows us fully, and is always watching over us in love.

The next time you walk into a store, school, or other public space and see that black “eye-in-the-sky” camera on the ceiling, remember that the store or school or other authority is watching you for your own good. And remember that God is also watching for your own good – to lead and guide you.

“I came that the people might have life, and have it to the fullest.” John 10:10.

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