Watch Over Me

The Bible is filled with many great reminders and truths. Two of them really stand out for those who are struggling, are alone, or in harm's way.

The first is an Old Testament passage from Psalms.

"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." - Psalm 112:5-8

The second encouraging verse is like it. Only it is from the New Testament and references Jesus, the One who was born of God.

"We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them." - 1 John 5:18

We who believe are not invincible, nor is an angel likely to appear and strike down an enemy before our eyes. But God does see everything we do and everything that is done to us.

Many years ago, a young girl in our area was abducted, raped, and murdered. Many were left wondering, "Why?" God saw it all happening. He knew it was going to happen before the girl was even born. Many would ask, "Why didn't God stop this from happening?"

We live in a sin-filled world. Bad things happen. There is evil at every turn these days. But, even the evil that exists and acts out against us, is part of God's over-arching plan for salvation. Salvation? Salvation for our souls.

What possible good could come out of such an evil act? It's hard to say but I can say this with great confidence. It changed me.

It was because of this girl's death that I became more protective of my own daughter. And later, after being saved through a new-found faith in Christ, I became a youth leader and loved and guided many teens as they sought the Lord.

Who knows what will happen after that shooting in Tennessee? Perhaps schools will become even MORE safe for our children as a result. But know this. God knows what's going on in your life. He knows your hurt and your pain. Talk to Him about it. Pray about it. Lean on Him. He has promised to never leave you or foresake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

So, let that be our prayer then, today. Turn off the news, mourn for the dead, and pray this prayer. Right now.

"Lord, watch over me."

Watch Over Me - Aaron Shust