And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? Genesis 16:13
How many of the things that we struggle with on a daily basis, stem from the fact that we don't really believe that God sees us, and that He is interested in our daily lives. This can go both ways, not only in preventing us from doing evil, but in encouraging us to do right.
A Positive Influence
If we really believed that God heard our songs of praise, our prayers of thanks, and our yearning hearts, how would that change our personal worship?
Singing
Have you ever wondered why it is so much easier to "worship" the Lord in song while gathered corporately? Something about belting out our hearts to the Lord alone in our closet seems a bit....odd. If we are truly singing to the Lord, though, there shouldn't be one bit of difference. In fact, knowing that God is well pleased with our personal worship, we should sing with even more gusto while we are alone.
Prayer
When we cry out to the Lord in prayer, do we truly understand that the God of all creation is bowing His ear to hear what we have to say? Are we truly aware that we have a personal audience with the creator of the universe? How does this knowledge affect our attitude and the spirit of our prayers?
For me, this knowledge prevents me from asking for trite requests, while on the other hand, it fills me with faith. Suddenly, the seemingly insurmountable problems I am facing aren't so big anymore, when the God who spoke light into existance is taking charge of my issue.
Tithe
Why do you give? Because you feel guilty? Because you think that it is the right thing to do? Because the Old Testament commands it? Because you hope that God will give you back more than you gave Him?
What if you knew that your contribution of time or money actually pleased God? That He was personally interested in what you gave, and that when you gave from your own need, not your excess, that He smiled in pleasure and joy. Would that change the amount that you gave, or your attitude in giving?
Preventing Failure
Living with the knowledge that God is watching us with interest also would prevent a lot of sin, since at the point of temptation, we would remember that God's presence is truly there with us, and our actions cause Him personal grief.
When we are alone on the internet, do the things that you allow yourself to look at, read, or watch bring God pleasure? Would he smile with joy at how you are spending your time?
The books that you choose to read; do they bring Him pleasure and glory?
Are you content with the things that God has given you, or are you always wanting more? Knowing that all things come from God's supply, doesn't it seem ungrateful to be discontent with what you have? How does knowing that God is watching you effect your gratefulness for the blessings that you already have?
The list could go on forever, but the point remains the same: in every thought, action, and word, God sees you. Are you glorifying Him, pleasing him, or adding more stripes to His back?
Conclusion
We live in the day and age of instant gratification. Just look around at the devices, digital friendships, instant pleasures... They are everywhere. God is eternal, and He would that we lived our lives for eternity, not the present. Paul wrote: "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Cor 4:18) All that we know, see, and touch will burn in the end. God is watching for those who choose to look beyond what we can see with our eyes, and grasp by faith the unseen things of His kingdom.
The next time you are doing something for God—or tempted to sin—remember: "Thou God Seest Me," and act as if God were at your side, either greatly pleased, or hurt beyond belief with your choices.