Look Upon Me!

Look Upon Me!

Humble hearts prize small mercies - and in their prayers they often ask for very simple things. A word or a look from God, is at times, all that they can venture upon asking - or a ray of light from a father's loving countenance. It was a sweet prayer presented by the Psalmist when he cried, "Look upon me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love Your name." (Psalm 110:132). Observe,

The Reference, it is God's usual method of dealing with His people. David therefore simply prayed for the family portion. The Lord has looked upon His people in their natural state - and pitied them, when under conviction of sin - and pardoned them, when in sadness and sorrow - and comforted them, when in confusion and trial - and delivered them, when in need - and supplied them, when in danger - and shielded them, when passing along the last stage of their journey at death - and received them!

Yes, the eye of the Lord has ever been on His people, His hand has been open to supply them, and His heart has rejoiced over them, to do them good.

The Petition. "Look upon me." Look, and have mercy for I am sorely tried. Look, and sympathize with me - for I am greatly troubled. Look, and strengthen me - for I am very feeble. Look, and encourage me - for I am full of fears. Look, and be a Father unto me - for I long to be treated as one of Your children.

Look, upon me, as you did on Peter - and break my heart, for I have sinned.

Look upon me, as you did on Gideon - and give me courage, for like him, I am timid and very fearful.

Look upon me, as you did on  Israel - and deliver me, for I also am in difficulty and danger.

Look upon me, as you did on Elizabeth - and take away my reproach, or I also shall be despised.

It is God's custom to look upon, and show mercy to His own people. They are brought where they need mercy, then they prize mercy, then they cry for mercy, and the Lord looks - and they receive mercy. Where there is real grace, there the desire of the heart is to be treated as one of God's own children. "Remember me with the favor which You bear unto Your people." If we have no distinct law, or special promise, then we may plead custom. "Look upon me, and have mercy on me, as You always do to those who love Your name." God has ever been accustomed to deal tenderly and graciously with those who love His name, therefore we may plead with Him to deal mercifully with us.

Beloved, do you ever pray thus? Are you desirous to be treated just as God's people are? Are you satisfied with the portion of God's poor and afflicted people? The poorest saint, is better off than the riches sinner! The most afflicted believer, is happier than the healthiest and most prosperous unbeliever. One merciful look from the Lord, will turn a prison into a palace; a dungeon into a paradise, and the chamber of sickness into the vestibule of Heaven!

Lord, look upon me, and help me to look up to You - so shall I not only be numbered among Your people - but shall share with them in all the blessings of grace now, and all the blessings of glory at my journey's end.

O Saviour, may we never rest
'Til You are formed within;
'Til You have calmed our troubled breast,
And crushed the power of sin!

Oh may we gaze upon Your Cross,
Until the wondrous sight
Makes earthly treasures seem but dross,
And earthly sorrows light!

Until, released from carnal ties,
Our spirit upward springs,
And sees true peace above the skies,
True joy in heavenly things!

There as we gaze, may we become
United, Lord, to Thee;
And in a fairer, happier home
Your perfect beauty see!

~James Smith~

(The End)