Devotion / It matters who is watching
Who is watching me?
George Orwell's famous novel 1984 coined the words: BIG BROTHER is watching. He was prophetic. These days it seems like there's a camera everywhere--stores, schools, churches, traffic lights, and more.
For our Christian brothers and sisters in China, this is an even harsher reality. As the government cracks down on Christianity, the eyes of BIG BROTHER seem to be everywhere to root out those who dare to believe in Jesus. I have talked to missionaries and exchange students who prefer not to have their likenesses shown or identities revealed because they know they are being watched.
Who is watching over me?
The words BIG BROTHER is watching fill many with dread. But, how different the feeling is when the perspective is changed. Christians find great comfort in the fact that we truly are being watched over --by our loving God. Instead of fear, we are filled with comfort and hope from God's promises that his eyes are on us.
2 Chronicles 16:9 – For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.
Psalm 33:18 – The eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death...
Psalm 121:5-8 – 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 139:2-3 – You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
Proverbs 15:3 – The eyes of the Lord are in every place...
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Angels watching over me
Not only is our Father God watching over us, but he sends His angels to watch over us as well...
Psalm 34:7 – The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Psalm 91:11 – For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Prayer: Loving Lord, BIG BROTHER may be watching. But you watch over us at all times! You promise that you will always be with us (Mt 28:20)! Mighty Savior, you are our sure defense and our refuge.
By Dave Payne