Watches over

Psalm 121:1-8 NLT

I look up to the mountains- does my help come from there? [2] My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! [3] He will not let you stumble; the One who watches over you will not slumber. [4] Indeed, He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. [5] The LORD Himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. [6] The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. [7] The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. [8] The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Our new puppy has stolen into his way our hearts. He's very cute as are all puppies, but he is now our chosen pup - a member of our household - a very dear part of our family.

As such we have to continually watch over him as he grows, ensuring that he eats good food, learns boundaries and gets the right exercise.

Even at night we have to be aware if he needs to go out and to protect him from chewing something harmful - it's a full-time job - but one we love to do!

This beautiful Psalm shows how the Lord watches over us - we are chosen - just like in the Old Covenant Israel was chosen (and still is).

We are grafted into the same care and protection afforded to Israel through the New Covenant Jesus made in His own precious blood.

How amazing that the Lord is watching over us 24/7 - not dozing off even for a split second.

Even His discipline is administered in loving kindness - done for our benefit - so we can be formed into the image of His Son.

Hebrews 12:6 NLT

For the LORD disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child."

Just as we tell our pup "NO" a hundred times a day... So the Lord has to tell us "NO" too - for our benefit and long term good!