What does it mean to watch and pray?
The Bible teaches us to watch and pray. (Matthew 26:39-41, Luke 21:34-36). One Hebrew word for watch is shomrah shom-raw' which means; to guard, watchfulness, and watch. (#1 8108 form 8104). In these verses, the Lord urges us to be alert, at all times. We must be on guard against the schemes and devices of the enemy because they can come without warning. Like a guard at his post, we must not allow any distractions to catch us off-guard. We have to suspect the enemy’s attacks at any given time. The means to accomplish this is through keeping our senses and defenses on high alert.
It requires discipline and self-control over the flesh and worldly inclinations. Resistance is futile. It’s easy for the adversary to draw you into the temptations; the world offers. They glimmer and shine and seem appealing to the senses. “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware.” (Luke 21:34, NLT). Sudden snares are always waiting to reap havoc. So, Jesus warns us in Luke 21:36 to; Keep alert at all times. “And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” Our eternal future depends on our willingness to stay aware of the devil’s tricks to catch us off guard. Keeping your eyes on Jesus is the only way to combat these schemes. And Satan will use these three ploys to make us tired, troubled, and deprived of spiritual insight.
1. Deception can lead you astray - It feeds false information to your mind. And it comes subtle and is crafty. Deception’s goal is to mislead you to gain your trust and take advantage of the situation. People such as these tell you enough of what you want to hear, mingled with lies. They paint a picture that attracts your senses and wows your imagination. After they have captured your heart, you realize their true intentions and could lose all you hold dear. Beloved, don’t permit anyone to deceive you. (James 1:16, AMP). The devil is searching for someone to devour. “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). So, be vigilant and attentive even when it appears that everything is going well.
2. Distraction wants you to lose focus and place your attention in its intended direction. It comes to steer you from what’s about to occur. To conquer this; stay focused and be aware of your surroundings. Do not let your senses become dull and misled by signs which appear like danger. The devil uses such a diversion to trick you into wandering off on actions that have nothing to do with the approaching danger. While in the Garden of Gethsemane, sleep overpowered the disciples. The physical need for it overcame their flesh. When the enemy appeared, it caught them unprepared. “Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Matthew 26:41). Jesus wants us to be spiritually keen on the devices of Satan and willing to deny the flesh. Beloved, remain on your post and be perceptive at all times.
3. Discouragement comes to put a burden that’s not yours to bear. It has the power to make you lose hope and fall into despair. When you’re discouraged, it is hard to be aware of your surroundings. But the enemy is lurking in silence. He is up to something that could cause turmoil. The plan is in place, and he has set an ambush to attack you when you least expected it. So, Beloved, when you're disheartened, you are most vulnerable. It is during such a time to be on a high alert. Watch and pray because this is when we feel comfortable and let our guard down; the enemy advances and overtakes us.
So, live with the expectation of the enemy’s assaults. Be ready and fully armed. (Matthew 24:9; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 4:12). You must encourage yourself in the Word of God. (1 Samuel 30:6). Fill your heart, mind, and spirit with praise and worship songs. And remind the enemy of his fate because He is the defeated foe. Live ever close to the heart of God, and you’ll be ready when sudden attacks occur.
FOLLOW ME:
I pray the musical selection In Jesus Name by Kathy Nichole; stirs your heart and faith in God.
Can you help encourage someone today? Please share how this devotional inspired you, Hit that heart, and share.
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