READING: Psalms 120-132
As I write this devotion, I’m tired. Some of that may be because I spend too many hours working, and some of it may be because I’m getting older and don’t rest well. Regardless of the reason for my fatigue, I do know this truth: I need to get more sleep. Both my body and my soul would likely benefit.
I serve a God, though, who never sleeps. Many of the pagan false gods of the ancient world were believed to sleep, but not the true God of Israel. He watches over His people without exception and without delay, as the psalmist noted: “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” (Psalm 121:3). God watches our every step, guiding and guarding us, and we cannot take a single step without His knowledge. He is ever awake and working, always aware of our “coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8).
Practical applications of this text are many. The “Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2) knows each of us, and He’s continually aware of our lives. There is nothing we face that He doesn’t see, so we can trust Him to guide us even through the difficult times of life. Further, we can rest in His leadership even when it seems like He’s napping somewhere, knowing by faith that He is not asleep.
Perhaps you’re facing a tough situation today, and your prayers seem to go no higher than the ceiling. You’ve sought God’s answer, but to no avail. Maybe your faith is wearing thin. I don’t know what the Lord might be doing in your life, of course. He might be stretching your faith in order to strengthen it. He might be answering your prayers, but doing so in such a way that you haven’t yet seen what He’s doing. He might be calling you to a deeper level of prayer than you’ve ever experienced. Whatever He’s doing, I do know this fact: He is not sleeping, and He’s watching over you. It’s no wonder, then, that the Israelites sang this psalm as they made their way to worship in Jerusalem.
Lift up your eyes to Him again, even if your faith is struggling. He who never sleeps still “grants sleep to those he loves” (Psalm 127:2). Rest well in Him.
ACTION STEPS:
- Review your testimony, remembering the times when God came through for you even you wondered if He were listening to you.
- If you’re facing a struggle today, ask God to grant you faith to trust that His eyes are on you.
PRAYER: “God, You’re a good God. Thank You for always, always watching over me. ”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 133-139