Rev. James Smith

Be watchful. Rev. 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 a pattern of sin, against seasons of temptation, and against Satan, the sworn enemy of your soul. Watch for opportunities to do good, for answers to prayer, and for the appearance of God as a God of providence. Unite prayer to God, dependence on His Holy Word, and watchfulness together.

During temptation, pray to be kept from sin, uncontaminated by the world. Trust in God to answer, but pray without ceasing; and then watch as if it all depended on your diligence and efforts. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments. “Watch, therefore, and pray always.” Yet do not trust your own watchfulness, but while watching also trust in God. He who keeps you will not slumber. He is with you when you are on guard, as well as when you are feasting on His Word and rejoicing at His table. He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Therefore, watch, and pray always.

Oh gracious God, in whom I live,
My feeble efforts aid;
Help me to watch, and pray, and strive,
Though trembling and afraid.

Taken from The Believer’s Daily Remembrancer by Rev. James Smith. This edited edition is copyrighted. © Publicaciones Aquila.