He is Always Watching Over You

When I was a little girl, I remember getting lost in a grocery store.  I don’t think I was more than about five years old.  While my mom did the grocery shopping, I tagged along completely uninterested in her task.  Back in that day, grocery stores had a toy aisle and of course, on that particular day (and really every time we went) that aisle held more interest than watching my mom pick out food items.  Even though I am positive that my mom began the shopping trip by admonishing me to stay close, I wandered off.  The allure of perfectly packaged toys drew my attention, but no worries; I was confident.  She would be nearby.

When I was done with my detour, I decided to find my mom, but she was gone.  I panicked a little…surely, she was just around the corner or down the next aisle or the next, but…she was nowhere to be found.  Suddenly, as I looked around, everything seemed a little foreign and unfamiliar. Fear squeezed my heart, and I felt utterly alone.  I began to cry, so sorrowful.  I hadn’t listened; now I was lost and without her protection.

But, at just the right time, she reappeared.  In her wisdom, she allowed me the privilege of learning an important lesson that I, for whatever reason, was unable to learn by just being told.  Completely aware of the situation, she had positioned herself in such a way as to not be seen but to be able to watch the scenario play out and at exactly the right moment intervene. 

And does not the Lord do the same for us?  He allows us to meet circumstances that cause us to see our need for Him.  Through the circumstances, He is able to build, mold and shape our character and teach us obedience as our reliance upon Him ultimately draws us closer to Him.  Why does He do this? Because He is a good Father and He knows what we need.

Today, no matter what you are facing, remember:  Even if your Heavenly Father has allowed circumstances into your life that cause you to rely upon Him and learn obedience, it is an act of love; He is ALWAYS watching over you—even if from what seems like a watchful distance—and He is lovingly overseeing the parameters of the lesson, making sure that no harm will befall you.  His Word promises this:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;indeed, he who watches over Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep.  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 goingboth now and forevermore.”  Psalm 121

–Katie Botello