CORAM DEO by Nicole Byrum

About a month ago, on an ordinary weekday night, I was struck with one seemingly random thought: God sees me peeling these potatoes right now. I have no idea what else was running through my mind at the time, but that single, powerful thought has stuck with me ever since.

Because here’s the truth–sometimes we question whether or not God really sees us. We wonder if He is really watching over us, observing all the mundane tasks of our daily lives; if He actually sees each tear and is acquainted with our every sorrow. We wonder if, in fact, we are visible to Him.

I can’t fully explain it, but I felt comfort knowing that God saw me standing at the kitchen sink peeling those russet potatoes. There was a strange peace in knowing my heavenly Father bore witness to the ordinary undertaking of preparing a simple meal for my family. There was a joy that came from being seen and known.

It reminded me in that moment of the Latin phrase Coram Deo, which means for something to take place in the presence of, or before the face of God. This idea is founded in Scripture as we learn God is omnipresent, seeing all things at all times. For as God’s Word teaches, our entire lives are laid bare before our Creator, and nothing is hidden from His face. Consider these verses:

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7 ESV)

“For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens,” (Job 28:24 ESV)

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account,” (Hebrews 4:13 ESV)

Truly, everything we do is done before the God of heaven and earth. And while this may be an intimidating thought–for yes, He does see our sin–how reassuring it is to know He also sees every act of love and service. He sees every dish washed, every load of laundry folded, every kind word of encouragement spoken to a friend. He sees our tears and knows our every frustration. He sees us.

As a child of God and follower of Christ, the above words cause my soul to rejoice, for I know I am deeply loved. I only pray that my response to the eyes of God upon my life will be to live a life worthy of His calling.

The great pastor and theologian R. C. Sproul once said, “To live Coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.” What a beautiful reminder that all of life is about serving our mighty God to the glory of His name. As the Psalmist exclaimed, “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness,” (Psalm 115:1 NIV)

I praise God for the gift of my potato moment, for the awareness of God’s eyes upon me; for I know that He who created me and redeemed me is the One who sees me.

Dear friends, we are known by Him. And we are loved by Him. May we, therefore, be moved to live Coram Deo Soli Deo Gloria–before the face of God for the glory of God alone.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

~Ephesians2:10 NKJV

Nicole Byrum

I am a therapist and writer who is passionate about family, faith, and recovery. I am the author of Remade: Living Free, a book that explores topics related to substance abuse, recovery, and unhealthy relationships from a biblical perspective.