May 23

The Sleepless Watcher

He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. — Ps 121:3-5 BSB

This psalm (Psalm 121) is often called the Traveller’s Psalm. When pilgrims set out from their distant homes to travel to the Temple, none could predict the dangers they might face before returning home—rivers, robbers, wilderness perils, or wild animals. It was essential to commit themselves and their loved ones to the care of the One who never slumbers nor sleeps. It is not enough for our bodies to be kept safe; we need our souls to be kept from all evil as we venture out into the world, where temptations lurk, or return home to the comfort of our lives, where subtle temptations can arise. We are never truly immune to temptation.

There is a difference between slumbering and sleeping. A mother or nurse caring for a child may doze briefly, though not restfully, yet there is a moment of unconsciousness. But this never happens to God. He never slumbers, not even for a moment. His watchful care over us is constant. He keeps us by surrounding us from every side, going before and behind us (Psalm 139:5). Like a sentry who guards a palace, God’s peace stands guard over our souls. Just as a castle-keeper secures a fortress, so God’s presence is our ultimate defense. We can think of a safe, protecting valuable contents from fire, just as God shields our souls from peril. Though we walk in the midst of danger, we are within the protective care of the Most High, and no weapon formed against us can penetrate His refuge. Let us entrust our souls to Him, as a faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:19).

The closing words of this psalm remind us of John 14:1-6. One day, we will leave this life for the final time—our earthly house will be left empty, and we will go to the Father’s house, where many mansions await. During that transition from this world to the next, we need not fear, for whatever eternity brings, we will always be sheltered by God’s almighty care.

Prayer

Almighty God, You know that I have no power to keep myself. Protect me outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be guarded from all harm and evil thoughts. Amen.