The Lord Watches Over You

“The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.”
Psalm 121:8 (NLT)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

On our mantle as we decorate for Christmas, we set up a nativity scene, carefully placing the figures of Mary and Joseph to gaze down on baby Jesus. Two of my children were born in December and this time of year reminds me of holding a newborn baby, tenderly watching over them as they drift off to sleep in my arms. (I also remember the exhaustion of those first few weeks and the very interrupted sleep!)

As a parent, it’s natural to check on a sleeping baby and watch over your child, making sure they are breathing comfortably and sleeping safely. In Psalm 121 we see a picture of the Lord watching over us, as we come and go throughout our day, just as a parent would watch over their beloved child.

You’re precious to the Lord, dear one! You are never beyond His sight and unlike earthly parents, our Father in Heaven does not slumber nor sleep. He’s there with you when you grab your morning coffee, preparing for the day. He sees your anxious heart, your tears you cry that no one else notices. He hears the laughter in your voice and the joy in your smile as you celebrate with family and friends. He watches over you as you fall asleep each night. He knows what you treasure most, where your weaknesses and strengths lie, and He deeply loves you more than you could ever know.

The next time you see a nativity scene this season, complete with Mary and Joseph looking down on baby Jesus, remember that Jesus watches over you…and His gaze on your life will never end!