I was multi-tasking several nights ago – answering emails while the TV was on in the background. Janet was engrossed in some sort of thriller police show and one of the characters volunteered to provide “overwatch” for the rest of the team on assignment.
That’s not a word that we hear very often these days – unless it is used in some military way with our troops who are on alert in some other part of the world. So, that’s what caught my attention – a rarely used word that so perfectly fit the scenario that was occurring on the screen.
The word “overwatch” means to guard, look over or watch over something. Although usually reserved for military maneuvers, it is also used to identify someone who has a vantage point over others from a high position or place.
Of course, my mind immediately went to the fact that we are continually watched over by God. He provides “overwatch” for us, his children. Just as we take care of our children, God does the same thing for us. And while there are many verses in Scripture about keeping our eyes focused on God, there aren’t as many that affirm that God is watching us!
Most of us believe that God is watching over us, protecting us from Satan. That is a very comforting thought that gives us peace – a peace that comes from having a personal relationship with Christ. And let’s not forget joy – something that each of us seeks to have as a result of our belief.
Our verse for tonight is from the Psalms. In fact, I have chosen to do something that I rarely do – I am using an entire psalm that affirms that God is watching over us – providing “overwatch” for those of us who believe in Him. The psalmist tells us, in Psalm 121:1-8, “I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
My encouragement this evening is that we are being protected 24/7 by the Creator of the universe! My prayer is that we will find comfort in the fact that we will spend eternity with the one who provides “overwatch” for us – even through the watches of the night when we are asleep. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…