The Guard

Devotional for Thursday, August 13, 2009 by Lynne Phipps

Matthew 10:29-31 - Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV)

As a prison guards, there is one thing which we must do constantly -- and that is to watch.

Day or night, it doesn't matter. When we are on duty, no more than fifteen minutes may pass without a visual check on our ward. Even though each cell is equipped with cameras and the guard desk has closed-circuit video equipment, we must put aside what we are doing and get up and go and look through the window to assure that all is well. We must be able to see the person moving, speaking, or breathing. Every check also requires a detailed notation in a log book, which if examined should match with the security camera records. As guards, we cannot lay our heads down and sleep. We must always be alert and always have the safety of our guests foremost in our minds.

As I was standing watching one of the guests through the glass the other night, willing him to move in his sleep so that I knew all was well, I could not help but think of God's ever-watchful eye over us, His children. It does not matter where we are or what we are doing, God is always aware of our presence and actions -- even our thoughts -- and He cares deeply about our safety and well-being. We need only read Psalm 139 if we have any doubts concerning this truth.

Psalm 139:1-3 - O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. (NIV)

Finally, the one I was watching twitched just enough for me to know that he was safe and well. As I returned to the guards' desk to make my entry in the log book, I thanked God that just as I was busy standing watch through this night, He too was busy watching and caring for me, for you, and for each and every one world-wide.

Prayer: Lord God, how amazing You are that You know every thing about each and every one of us, and that You are always watching, caring, and loving. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps <lynnephipps@hotmail.com>
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada

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Today's Music:     Unto The Hills Around Do I Lift Up.  

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