Sentinel Soul
“My soul waits for the LORD more than sentinels wait for the dawn.”
Sentinel: a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch. Does my soul wait for the Lord more than a sentinel? Does it stand and keep watch? Truthfully, I don’t watch like that all the time - I don’t stand and keep watch with more fervor than a sentinel all the time, and I found myself asking why.
A sentinel watches because it’s his job. He stands and waits for the dawn because it’s his job to stand guard and watch. The sentinel fills His role because it’s his duty. But, I don’t want to watch out of duty, I want to watch out of love.
I look out for the one I love.
As a kid, I remember watching for my grandparents to drive up to my house. When I knew they were coming, I checked the driveway every two minutes, and I couldn’t sit still because I was so excited to see them. Sisters, I want to watch like that for the Lord. I want to keep watch because I love Him - because I can’t wait to see Him. My soul is waiting for Him who it loves (SOS 3:4), and I want to watch for love’s sake.
I’ll admit - sometimes I watch for the Lord out of obligation, but I’d rather look for love. If I’m looking out for the One I love, I wait with anxious anticipation. I can’t wait for Him to arrive. I can stand like a sentinel, but I would rather stand like a lover in joyful anticipation, preparing to receive the One who I can’t wait to see.
Father,
Thank You for standing watch for us. Just as we long to receive You, You long to receive us. Thank You for Your patient love and Your tender affection for us - even when we’re learning how to love You.
Teach us how to watch for You with joyful anticipation, with love and excitement. Show us more of Your heart so that we can fall more in love with You every day.
God, we love You. We want to watch for You more than a sentinel waits for the dawn - help us. Amen.