THE LOOK OUT

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain”. Psalm 127:1 ESV

Our dogs are not true guard dogs. They like to look out the window and watch. There are a few dogs in the neighborhood that are not favorites so are treated to loud barking signaling annoyance that they are walking by their property. Most of the time, you could come in the house and they wouldn’t lift their heads unless it was to be petted.

A true guard dog or watchdog is trained to guard property against, and watch for, unwanted or unexpected human or animal intruders. Sometimes you find yourself with a guard dog because of the breed characteristics and sometimes your little Chihuahua has the loudest and scariest snarl.

As with dogs, a human watchman keeps guard and a lookout watches for the enemy to approach and is looking with careful observation. We can only do so much in our human strength and ability. The first verse of Psalm 127 states the watchman labors in vain without the Lord’s help.

In I Peter 5:8, we are told to be sober and vigilant because we have an enemy called the devil and he thrives on seeking to devour us. We must be careful to be on guard and aware of our enemies, weaknesses, and temptations. We must also realize that in our own strength we will often fail.

I Corinthians 15:57 states, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I John 2:1 tells us that we have an advocate with the Father- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. We don’t have to worry because Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”.

We must be on guard and set lookouts for our protection in this life. We must not worry but know that God is on our side. We need to pray and share our requests and concerns with the living God who himself is our guardian. He is our leader, our creator, our protector, and our friend. “Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). Our watchman is on duty 24/7 and with him you will not labor in vain. The victory is yours!