From A Distance?

I recently came across the famous song of Bette Midler, composed by Julie Gold, entitled “From A Distance” which peaked at #2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1990 and won Song of the Year at Grammy in 1991. The song spoke about the world being beautiful and perfect from a distance, when in fact there is hunger and fighting all over. The wording of the irony was really cool and impressive but then the lyrics say, “God is watching us from a distance.” From a distance?

I was aghast at how the song portrayed God as distant, remote and uncaring - insensitive of the suffering around us, numb of the cries of those in need, indifferent to the plight of the poor, withdrawn from the creation He so dearly loved! The God that the Bible speaks is One that sees and knows.

God is NOT watching us from a distance. In fact, He chose to be with us when He sent His Beloved Son on earth, to suffer and die for us. He cares for our needs and feels our hurt. He sees our deepest thoughts and fears. He knows us, from inside out. He can even dwell in us, if we choose to.

You’ll discover these truths in His word: He knows when you sleep and when you awaken (Psalm 139), He knows the number of strands in your hair (Luke 12:7) and He has engraved you in the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16).

Now what do you think of the message of the song? You decide!

(Binhing Rizal - December 2009)