DENYING MYSELF BY ACKNOWLEDGING GOD IS WATCHING OVER ME

This week, I am exploring what God says about setting my mind on things above.  As I enter prayer now, I reflect on God’s instruction: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” 

Lord, I desire to focus on You.  Allow my mind 

to be transformed by the reading of Your Word. 

Let me consider the Word of God from Psalm 121: 

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 Israel will 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 going both now and forevermore. 

I recognize the Lord desires to help me.  His Word reminds me of this fact often.  My first thought when I need help, however, is usually “How can I help myself?”  The Lord’s thoughts are infinitely higher than mine, and more effective.  He tells me: 

1. He is available to help me 24/7; He neither slumbers nor sleeps. 

2. He is not going to let me fall; He is able to guide me through the most stressful times. 

3. He watches over me constantly.  He is my “shade” (or shadow) and is at my right hand.  He is always with me. 

Lord, thank You for watching over me  

and guiding me through life.   

You are always with me and can help me  

much more than I can help myself. 

I cannot receive better care; my Caregiver is the Creator of all things.  He watches over my coming and watches over my going.  He will not cease to watch over me both now and forevermore. 

I especially appreciate His constant presence, especially when I need help.  In my distress, His overarching presence provides calmness, stability, and hope.  I know I can count on the Lord to supply what I need. 

Lord, Your presence in my life is a  

constant blessing to me.   

Thank You for all You give me  

and all You do in my life. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.