"Watch"

Dad took me huntin,’ said watch real close,

The deer move in the shadows most,

And pay attention at your post,

Or you won’t get a shot.

And fishin’ he’d say watch your line,

That big old bass might hit just fine,

But be ready all the time,

Or catch him you will not.

And with the cattle watchin’ too,

Taught me all those things he knew,

To make sure that through and through,

They had all that they need.

And horseback watchin’ all the time,

Checkin’ that old barbed fence line,

A snorty horse, you know the kind,

You better watch that steed.

There was something Jesus used to say,

A simple word to watch and pray,

And it’s the truth down to this day,

We’re children of the watch.

To sit and soak the Spirit’s power,

To listen close, come sweet or sour,

And watch intently hour by hour,

By grace to be top-notch.

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but he flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, NAS)

Jesus was in His greatest hour of struggle, asking that the cup of the cross be removed from Him, nevertheless let the Father’s will be done. He told the disciples to watch and pray lest they fall into temptation. It was good advice then and now. Often we find ourselves desiring inwardly to do God’s will. Our spirit is willing. But other factors and desires pull us in the wrong direction. The flesh is weak. It’s time for all of us to wake up from our spiritual attention deficit disorder and refocus on what matters most. Watch…and pray.

Lord, help us to be alert, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Chauncey Leon, used by permission. Thanks, Chauncey, and God bless you.