The unfailing watch

 

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm
121:4)

Jehovah is "the Keeper of Israel." No form of unconsciousness ever
steals over Him, neither the deeper slumber nor the slighter sleep. He
never fails to watch the house and the heart of His people. This is a
sufficient reason for our resting in perfect peace. Alexander said that he
slept because his friend Parmenio watched; much more may we sleep
because our God is our guard.

"Behold" is here set up to call our attention to the cheering truth.
Israel, when he had a stone for his pillow, fell asleep; but His God was
awake and came in vision to His servant. When we lie defenseless,
Jehovah Himself will cover our head.

The Lord keeps His people as a rich man keeps his treasure, as a
captain keeps a city with a garrison, as a sentry keeps watch over his
sovereign. None can harm those who are in such keeping. Let me put my soul
into His dear hands. He never forgets us, never ceases actively to care
for us, never finds Himself unable to preserve us.

O my Lord, keep me, lest I wander and fall and perish. Keep me, that I
may keep Thy commandments. By Thine unslumbering care prevent my
sleeping like the sluggard and perishing like those who sleep the sleep of
death.