“I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful.” (Lev. 26:9)
Expanded Passage: Leviticus 26:3-20
We are surrounded by countless images of what makes a happy, fulfilled life. Commercials depict smiling families in minivans with a leather interior and bonus seat. On social media, friends post pictures of exotic vacations with food akin to fine art. Billboards around town proclaim that it is time for that next degree or house project or body-sculpting procedure. Then you will be at peace, at rest. Then you will have “the good life.”
Experiences in our world are certainly a gift, but Leviticus 26 offers us a very different picture of what ultimately makes a “good life.” In contrast to our modern messages of looking outward to find fulfillment, the scriptures describe God looking at us! True contentment begins by looking at God looking at us. Under his watchful eye we see ourselves as he sees us: beloved, called, precious, seen, and known. And as we receive these blessings from our watchful God we can stop striving for the promises surrounding us and rest contentedly in sight of the Eternal God.
We have all we need. His ways and words are indeed good and true. God himself is the abundant life! And God has come near us, calling us his own. As we gaze upon our God who gazes upon us, there is incredible freedom for joyful obedience.
Look at yourself through God’s gaze.
Michaela Moore enjoys country road runs, coffee with friends, beautiful books, and long, laugh-filled walks with her husband and co-pastor, Jackson. She has an MA in ministry and spiritual formation from Wesley Seminary (IN).
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
