God Watches Over You

One of our younger grandsons has his second birthday this month. It’s an age of rapid development, and he’s been learning new things, increasing his vocabulary almost daily, and learning to string words together, which is very endearing. However, he’s too young to understand what might be dangerous for him, so his parents (or his Granny if she’s around!) need to keep careful watch over him. They’re watching to protect him, to correct him if need be, to encourage him, to comfort him and to teach him. It’s also fun to be together, so it is a time of joy (mostly!) for all concerned.

Thinking about this reminded me of today’s verse, which describes how God is constantly watching over us. He’s not doing this in order to be critical, or to catch us out. He’s a loving Father who wants to keep His children from harm, and to protect us. He knows what’s best for us, and wants to teach us His ways. He also wants to provide for us, giving us everything we need, including strength, peace and comfort in every situation.

He also delights in us (Zephaniah 3:17), as parents delight in their children. I used to love watching our sons when they were younger, taking part in sport, acting in plays, and doing many other things. I would notice the other children who were taking part, but my eyes tended to be fixed on my own sons. I was watching them because I delighted in them, and also because I wanted to provide some support and encouragement to them. That seems to be what today’s verse is saying – that God’s particularly watching over His own children, to be there for them as a source of strength and encouragement.

In 2 Chronicles 16, we read that, even though the Lord was there for King Asa, King Asa hadn’t been relying on Him. He’d taken matters into his own hands and had made a treaty with his enemies. It was in response to this that Hanani, the seer, spoke the words in today’s verse. He reminded Asa that, when he’d looked to the Lord, his enemies had been defeated, but, because he hadn’t done so in this situation, he would continue to be at war.

God is watching over you and me today, to strengthen us and to provide what we need in each situation. However, we need to look to Him and trust in Him, not trying to fix things for ourselves.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You’re watching over me to provide the strength and comfort I need in each situation. I’m sorry for the times I’ve tried to do things in my own strength. I look to You today and put my trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.