Nowhere to Hide

Similar to other states, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has an “eye in the sky”—and there’s nowhere to hide.

Drivers often slow their speed as they approach areas with a reputation for speed traps. Once they pass a spot where troopers have been known to lie in wait, they accelerate, sometimes traveling as fast as 100 miles an hour.

FHP’s program involves the use of several aircraft deployed around the state. From 1,500 feet in the air, the pilot observes speeders on highways such as I-95 and records the information. Then he relays it to troopers on the ground who pull over the offending drivers.

Speeders may look to the left and to the right, but they neglect to look up.

A Different Eye in the Sky

There’s another “eye in the sky” people often forget. The Bible reminds us in Jeremiah 23:24 (NIV) that we cannot hide from God. “‘Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.”

In Genesis 3:8-10, Adam and Eve unsuccessfully tried to hide after they had sinned. In Genesis 16, Hagar tried to run from her cruel mistress, only to discover God already knew every detail of her circumstances. In verse 13 we read that she called Him El Roi, “the God who sees me.”

David reiterated the promise of instruction and counsel that comes as a result of God’s watchful eye (Psalm 32:8). And in Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV), David observed:

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

The Florida Highway Patrol isn’t the only “eye in the sky.” How often do you and I look up?