As much as I can get jazzed by finding “hidden gems” in unexpected places, as I did this morning in 2Samuel 14:14 . . . or appreciate and am encouraged by solid theological arguments, such as Paul makes concerning the law, the promise, and faith in the latter portion of Galatians 3 . . . sometimes it’s the simple reminders of a great God that touch resonate deep within my soul. Basic truths which hit home in a fresh way . . . fundamental attributes of God which kick the mind and heart into meditate mode as I try to grasp the implications of the nature of God for what’s going on around me. This morning, I’m just noodling on what it means that my God is a God who looks down.

The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens! Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?    (Psalm 113:4-6 ESV)

On Monday, I received an e-mail concerning a co-worker whose daughter was involved in a very serious car accident . . . the list of injuries were extensive. He was away from home on business when the accident occurred . . . I couldn’t imagine getting a worse phone call from home . . . or a more difficult plane ride back across the country. On Tuesday, we had dinner with my youngest daughter who had, the day before, returned from Haiti. We spent the entire time together listening as she talked about her up-close encounters with the heart-wrenching realities of a people, and the orphaned children, still reeling from an evil dictatorship and from a devastating earthquake. And then yesterday, an item came through on our churches prayer chain . . . an 18 year old high school senior . . . one of a graduating class of 84 students at a local Christian school . . . who was also involved in a serious car accident — hit by a drunk driver . . . in critical condition . . . for whom the next 24 hours would be critical as she her condition was “touch and go”. Heavy sigh!

And this morning, thanks to a Bible reading plan . . . a Bible . . . and the Spirit of God who promises to lead us into truth . . . I’m reminded that my God is the God who looks down.

The One who is enthroned above all nations . . . He whose glory surpasses the wonder of heavens . . . is the One who humbles Himself and looks down on the happenings of earth. He is not distant nor disengaged . . . He is not unacquainted with the tragedies and trials of our world. Though sometimes He, in His sovereign grace, “raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap” (113:7) . . . in other circumstances, His purposes are apparently best served by withholding His all powerful hand. I don’t know the “whys and wherefores” . . . but what I do know is that He is the One who looks down.

“How wonderful are those words of Isaiah, ‘For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’ Heathen philosophers could not believe that the great God was observant of the small events of human history; they pictured him as abiding in serene indifference to all the wants and woes of his creatures. ‘Our Rock is not as their rock’; we have a God who is high above all gods, and yet who is our Father, knowing what we have need of before we ask him; our Shepherd, who supplies our needs; our Guardian, who counts the hairs of our heads; our tender and considerate Friend, who sympathizes in all our griefs. Truly the name of our condescending God should be praised wherever it is known.” — Spurgeon

All glory to Him who looks down . . .