April 16, 1999, Friday

What hope do those people have that are experiencing severe

desolations of their country and homeland? What appeal can

be made that would bring relief for them? Is there anyone

that can be an advocate for them and represent their pleas

and cries for justice?

Jeremiah the prophet looked at the desolations around him

and was grieved. While he wept, he waited, because he knew

that only from the God that could see him and his troubles

would he find or expect any relief from the many problems-

"Until the Lord's eye is turned on me, until He sees from

heaven my affliction" (Lam 3:50). The prayer of the prophet

is not without hope, which is quite different from the blind

grief of unbelievers. The prophet hoped in God's mercy.

Isaiah believed that God viewed the trouble of His people

and he reminded God that His people have always looked to

Him as One who would hear their appeal and plea with Him-

"Look down from heaven, see from Your holy and glorious

habitation; Where are Your mighty deeds and Your zeal? The

stirrings of Your heart and Your compassion are restrained

toward me" (Isa 63:15). He was concerned that he could not

sense God's emotions of compassion to him, but continued

to pray because he believed God would listen to his pleas

and appeals for mercy.

The Psalmist presented his case for God's chosen people as

an attorney and brought it to the throne of grace, to pray

with God for mercy and grace for them. He asked for help-

"Lord of Hosts, look down from heaven and see our needs,

turn to us and have mercy on us; take care of this vine"

(Psa 80:14). God's church is represented as a vine that

is in constant need of His care and watchful eye. It is

not only the corporate body as the church that is a vine,

but the individual believer that needs God's care.

Let us remember who is the God that sees all things.

God's Name is Jehová El Roi. He is the God that sees

the NEEDS of His people, that is our moral conscience

and strength daily, and is our strong support because

our hearts are truly His. Lift your hands to Him and

Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that

that sees everything that we need!