“Day after day, my Lord, I stand on the watchtower; every night I stay at my post.” (Isaiah 21:8)

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)

To keep watch is a gospel command. We watch because it takes focus and intentionality to see our Lord in these bustling and busy days.

To watch means we are attentive. We have learned to see, notice, and understand meaning. We have trained our senses and our spirits to attend to the Lord.

We have become aware of His character, discerning what is Him and not Him. We have learned to look in the right places for where He chooses to dwell and what He chooses to do.

We have attuned our awareness to find unexpected signs of His presence, not missing Him anywhere. We have turned away from what is not Him, letting go of false signs, false ways, and false Messiahs with their misdirected promises.

We keep watch day and night, like a night watchman looking for any sign of anyone or anything. Because we know our limitations, we are constantly vigilant for Him.

Lord, give us grace to look for You.
Keep us watchful and attentive to You.