Don’t Guard In Vain!
"Unless the Lord builds the house,
they labor in vain who build it; unless
the Lord guards the city, the watchman
stays awake in vain."
Psalm 127: 1
“Who will take the first watch?”
We hear that phrase often in films
depicting armies or other groups
in conflict.
The modern word for the person standing guard is
sentry; the biblical word was watchman. Different
words but the same purpose: to provide protection
by watching for and warning of the approach of
those who would do harm.
In the Old
Testament, when cities had walls and
gates, the watchmen would stand atop the walls
or gates in order to see anyone who approached
the city. Watchmen would even patrol the streets
of the city during the night.
The psalmist used the image of the watchman to describe
God as our true protector. Unless God stands guard, our
best efforts are “in vain.” How do we enlist God to be our
family watchman? By prayer, by adhering to His Word,
and
by clothing our family in the armor of God.
Trust God to protect your family
by dedicating each member
to
Him for His glory.
"God’s power is the best guard,
the safest
convoy, and surest
castle that any can have."
William Gouge
