The God Who Watches Over You Tonight - Your Nightly Prayer - July 17th

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The God Who Watches Over You Tonight
Your Nightly Prayer

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand.” - Psalm 121:5

SOMETHING TO PONDER

God watches over you. Pause and really imagine how that looked today. He saw you wake up to a new day, pour your first cup of coffee or tea, and start the tasks ahead. While you were in the car, took the meeting, or refereed another sibling spat, His eyes carefully watched. His presence was steady as you played chauffeur, ate dinner, and cleaned the house. If you received good news, He rejoiced! If your ears and heart took in tragic news, He mourned.

As believers, I think you and I both agree that God sees us, but it’s easy to forget that He is actually with us, as we are with our own heartbeat! God is personally present, always. What a comfort when loneliness, anxiety, and fear creep in. And in case you think He is too busy watching over someone else, think again. You are never overlooked out of His loving sight.

Our verse tonight declares, “The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand.” Psalm 121:5. Psalm 121 is one of the “Psalms of Ascent,” meaning that when the Israelites were traveling to Jerusalem for major feasts, they would sing these songs on the way. Imagine walking a hot middle eastern desert, but declaring, “He is my shade.” Like relief from the hot sun, the Lord’s protection is both refreshment and protection against life’s circumstances.

The last part of our verse, “At your right hand,” is a reference to a military term. It symbolized strength and action, as well as vulnerability, to fight with your fellow soldiers. You do not have to face your battles alone. He is at your right hand and strengthening you for what’s to come. Remember, He is closer than close!

When we remind our souls of God’s near presence, protection, and empowerment, may our hearts respond to Him with gratitude, acknowledgment, and worship. He is a good God who will not waste anything you are walking through. As you rest tonight, remember this simple promise: you are guarded and seen.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
Thank you for your constant presence in my life. Holy Spirit, remind me to acknowledge your protection and care. I worship you, for you are at my right hand, equipping and empowering me to walk securely ahead. I do not have to be afraid or anxious about what is to come. I lay my fear, loneliness, and anxiety at your feet tonight and praise you for your watchful eyes upon me. I love you, Lord.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

Imagine your day-to-day. Replay it in your mind and imagine the Lord’s eyes on you throughout the day.
What do you personally need to lay at his feet tonight?
In your own words, offer a prayer of gratitude for safeguarding you today.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Mark Newman

Shea Smith When Shea is not chopping tiny food up for her three tiny humans, or pitching Chipotle to her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, you can find her doing the following: Feeding her sourdough starter (aka 4th child) and baking bread. Putting her Master of Divinity to work by furiously typing about Jesus during naptimes. Posting encouragement and #momlife reels on Instagram. Conquering virtual hills on her Peloton. Renovating "the dream home" with her husband. Co-hosting her church's podcast. Homeschooling the littles. Leading a Barre class. Preaching, teaching, and storytelling. And finally, pretending she will keep her indoor plants alive...this time! You can connect with Shea on Instagram at @SheaHsmith, visit her website at www.sheahsmith.com, and keep up with her posts by signing up here.

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