The psalmist declares his obedience with sober awareness. His life is directed by God’s word. Yet he does not speak as one performing for human approval. He lives before the Lord. He acknowledges that every step, every motive, and every hidden thought is fully known to God. Nothing is concealed. Even his sin lies open before him. God knows all. He is aware of every detail of our lives. This awareness produces peace, not panic. To live before the all-seeing God is not terror for the believer. It is his comfort. Spurgeon writes, “It is no small consolation to feel that our heavenly Father knows all about us, and that if princes speak against us, and worldlings fill their mouths with cruel lies, yet he can vindicate us, for there is nothing secret or hidden from him.” Because God knows fully, he judges rightly. Because he sees all, he defends faithfully. The psalmist therefore commits himself to obedience. He keeps God’s word, not to impress others, but because he lives before the face of God. So must we. A life fully known by God should be a life faithfully lived before him.
