Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

— Psalm 121:4

I often feel sleepy around three o’clock in the afternoon. Sometimes I’m even tempted to put my head on my desk for a quick doze. But that’s not a good idea. Getting up and walking around will usually help to wake me up again.

In Psalm 121 we are assured that God’s watchful attention never lapses—not even for a quick nap. The setting of this psalm is the pilgrim’s road to Jerusalem for a worship festival. Though dangers may lurk in the shadowy hills and turns along the roadway, the psalmist assures God’s people that the Lord will watch over them.

Nothing will prevent God from watching over us, says the psalmist: nothing in the day or night and nothing from any direction, because God does not sleep.

How do God’s people know this? God is the Creator of the universe, and nothing can distract or draw his attention away from his beloved creatures, especially his children.

The all-powerful God who steers the universe has promised to watch over us wherever the journey of life takes us. With the confidence of knowing this, we can serve him in the world each day. With God’s people throughout the ages, we can say boldly, “[Our] help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

We know, Father, that you are our Creator, and we say with confidence that our help is in you. Amen.