"Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us."

Our eyes are upon God. We ask him to have mercy on us, and provide for us. We are not trusting ourselves, our talent, or our connections. We're looking up to the Ruler and the Maker to satisfy us. It's his goodness, or nothing.

This is the blessing of the new covenant: God does everything, and we do nothing. He works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Relying on God will always succeed. He'll never let us down, fail, or slumber. Vs3, “He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” He'll always be on time and sufficient. Vs4, “Behold, he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” He'll always save, even by a better resurrection. Grace will never lack in anyone who trusts Christ.

First, "Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master…" We have an object lesson.

God teaches us something spiritual by something natural. That's why the natural world exists - so we can learn about God and his gospel.

Use things that can be seen to teach things that can't. This is rightly using our senses, and increasing our understanding. Look to the gospel message in Scripture. Learn heavenly things, and do not stop at the earthly. For example, many want a great marriage, but they don’t know that it is Christ and his church [Eph 5:25-33]. Human marriage is a dim reflection. People also want good works, but they don’t know that Christ’s gospel is the heart of every sermon and every portion of Scripture. They see naturally, but can’t see spiritually. We see both.

Secondly, "our eyes look to the Lord." Being redeemed by grace, we have access to the heavenly Father! How wonderful is this bountiful privilege? We have God as a Friend, and a Provider. Our sins are not held against us, and he will help us. He has all power, so no one can stop him. He has all knowledge to know what's best. He has our good in mind in every situation. He has the help we need, and he's willing to give it.

Set your eyes on him! Don't let trouble turn you into a self starter. Don't say that God's forgotten you, so you'll make a golden calf. Exodus 32:1, “For as this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Trust Christ for joy, peace, and every necessity. Trust him to care for you.

The believer will be blessed in actively looking to Christ. He won't have fear, anxiety, and doubt. He's persuaded God will help, so he knocks until the door opens. Luke 11:10, “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” This is the boldness of God's word, and God's provision. Our confidence is in his grace, his blood, and his power!

Thirdly, "till he has mercy upon us." We will not stop looking, until we get what we need. Like Jonah, we'll look to Christ again from the belly of trouble, even if we've caused our own pain. Jonah 2:4, “Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.” We won't allow our sinfulness to keep us from believing, since Christ came to save sinners, and he loves the fallen. This is staggering grace!