“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.”
(Hebrews 4:13)
Our eyes serve many purposes, but their most essential function is to keep us aware of our surroundings. Of course, God does not have physical eyes as we do, for He is Spirit (John 4:24). And yet Scripture frequently speaks of the “eyes of the Lord” so that we might understand His perfect awareness of all things. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3). That is to say, nothing is hidden from Him. His gaze penetrates all things, at all times, in all places.
Hebrews 4:13 declares that “all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” This means everything—every thought, every action, every motive—lies fully exposed before His sight. God sees all. He knows all. He remembers all.
What does this mean for us? It means that Christ knows whether we listen to and obey His Word. He knows the love we show—or fail to show—to others. He knows our struggles, our sins, our weaknesses, and our desires. He sees our affections, our spiritual devotion, and the sincerity of our worship. He knows whether we delight in Him or whether our devotion to Him has grown lukewarm.
In other words, there is no escaping His presence; He is aware of everything (Ps. 139:7-12). This truth is a great comfort to those who long for communion with Him. But it can be a dreadful thought for those who wish to live for themselves, thinking no one sees.
Jonathan Edwards once wrote, “I am resolved to live with all my might, while I do live.”[1] In that same vein, the Reformers often spoke of living coram Deo—before the face of God—meaning to live with the awareness that every moment of life is conducted in the presence of the Almighty.
Because God is everywhere in the fullness of His being, He is always with us, seeing and knowing all things—even our innermost thoughts and intentions. Let this truth move us to live in holiness before Him, striving to please Him in all we say and do.
Contemplations
- The All-Seeing God. Every moment in my life is open to the sight of God. His gaze penetrates my innermost thoughts and intentions, my secret actions, and even the motives I may not fully understand myself. This should stir within me a deep reverence, for I must give an account to Him for all that I do. At the same time, it is a comfort to know that no injustice goes unseen, no suffering is unnoticed, and no faithful act is forgotten. The God who sees all will judge righteously. Do I find comfort or fear in the knowledge that nothing is hidden from Him?
- Living in the Light of His Presence. We tend to behave differently when others are watching. We’re more careful with our words, our conduct, and our attitudes when we know we’re being observed. But how often do I live with that same carefulness before God? Do I realize that He sees me at every moment, in every place, even in my solitude? This is what it means to live coram Deo—to walk with integrity before the face of God, knowing that He alone is my ultimate audience. If I truly believed that He is watching, how would it change my daily decisions, my thoughts, and my desires?
- The Comfort of His Eyes Upon Me. For those who love the Lord, the reality of His constant watchfulness is a source of strength. He sees my struggles, my sorrows, and my burdens. No affliction passes unnoticed by Him. When I feel forgotten, He remembers me. When I feel unseen, He beholds me. He is near to the brokenhearted, and His eyes are upon the righteous (Ps. 34:15). He knows every need before I speak it, every pain before I express it. I am never alone.
Prayer: Walking in the Light of His Eyes
O Lord, my God, You are the One whose eyes run to and fro throughout the earth, seeing all that is done under heaven. There is no creature hidden from Your sight, but all things are naked and open before You (Heb. 4:13). You know when I get up and when I lie down. You know my every thought and the words I’m thinking before they are spoken. You are the ever-watchful God, whose knowledge is perfect and whose wisdom is unsearchable. How great and glorious is Your sight, which sees all things clearly!
O holy God, I confess that though I know You see all, I do not always live in the light of this truth. I have sought to hide in the shadows of complacency, as if You do not see my heart. I have excused my weaknesses, ignored my sins, and justified my neglect of Your Word. But You see, O Lord! You are the light that exposes all things. Even the darkness is not dark to You, for the night shines as the day (Ps. 139:12). Forgive me for the times I have lived as though You were not watching. Forgive me for seeking the approval of men instead of the approval of the God who sees the heart.
Merciful Father, thank You that though I am fully known, I am also fully loved in Christ. You do not abandon Your people, nor do You cast off those whom You have called. You see my weaknesses and yet You sustain me. You know my frailties and yet You uphold me. You perceive my struggles, yet You cover me with grace. Because of Your Son, I stand before You clothed in righteousness, no longer naked and ashamed but accepted and beloved. Thank You, Lord, for Your tender mercies and Your steadfast love.
Sovereign Lord, teach me to live coram Deo, before Your face, with a heart that is upright and sincere. Let me not be like those who live in secret sin, thinking they will not be found out. Instead, let me be as one who walks in the light, seeking to please You in all I do. Make my thoughts pure, my affections holy, and my actions pleasing in Your sight. Let me love what You love and hate what You hate. Keep me from self-deception, and lead me in the way everlasting.
O Lord, You are the God of truth, the One who searches the hearts and minds of men. Let me live each day in light of Your gaze, striving to glorify You in all that I am. You see me, You know me, and You are with me always. May my life be a testimony of faithfulness, lived fully for You, knowing that I stand before Your eyes both now and for eternity.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and my righteousness, I pray. Amen.
Further References for Hebrews 4:13
Job 26:6; Ps. 33:13; 2 Chron. 16:9; Job 34:21; 1 Sam. 16:7; Prov. 5:21.
[1] Samuel Hopkins and Jonathan Edwards, The Life and Character of the Late Reverend Mr. Jonathan Edwards, President of the College at New-Jersey. Together with a Number of His Sermons on Various Important Subjects., Early American Imprints, 1639-1800; No. 9961 (Boston: Printed and sold by S. Kneeland, opposite to the Probate-Office in Queen-Street, 1765), 6.
