What does Psalm 33:14 mean?

During times of upheaval, distress, and calamity, individuals may ask, "Where is God?" This psalm answers the question by affirming that the Lord is on His throne, entirely aware of everything happening in all of creation. That the Lord is seated on His throne should reassure His people. He is fully in control of every situation. The word "looks" in this verse means to gaze intently. This is not a passive activity where God simply "notices" things—He is actively observing and invested in what He sees.

Christians should be encouraged to know the Lord watches what is happening to them. The apostle Peter, writing to persecuted and scattered Hebrew Christians, writes, "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer" (1 Peter 3:12; Psalm 34:15). First Peter 5:7 adds further encouragement by assuring us that God not only sees His children, but He also cares for them.