“Be watchful….“. – Revelation 3:2
Satan is watching to ensnare us, the world is watching to exult over us, and God is watching to protect us. Jesus, our best friend, says to us, “BE WATCHFUL.”
Watch against the spirit of the world, against thy easily besetting sins, against seasons of temptation, and against Satan, the sworn enemy of thy soul. Watch for opportunities to do good, for answers to prayer, for the appearance of God as a God of providence. Unite prayer to God, dependance on His holy word, and watchfulness, together, pray to be kept from sin, in temptation, unspotted from the world; trust in God to answer, but do not leave the throne; and then watch as though all depended upon thy diligence and efforts.
Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always.” But trust not to thy watchfulness, but while watching trust in God. He who keepeth thee will not slumber. He is with thee when on guard, as well as when thou art feasting on His word and rejoicing at His table. He withdraweth not His eyes from the righteous. “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Watch ye therefore, and pray always.- James Smith, 1840
O gracious God, in Whom I live,
My feeble efforts aid;
Help me to watch, and pray, and strive,
Though trembling and afraid.
