Standing Strong: Embracing Watchfulness in Daily Life
We need to stand strong and embrace watchfulness in daily life because there is a very real danger in our prowling adversary.
As Christian women, in the home raising children, or going to work, we have a high calling to live with spiritual vigilance, always watching, always on guard.
This isn’t a passive posture where we can absentmindedly scroll social media in every free moment (are those moments actually free?) throughout the day.
It’s an active, intentional discipline to safeguard our hearts and homes from the influences, recognizing the very real danger posed by our prowling adversary.
I have been doing the FREE Renew Me Bible Reading Plan this month which is part of the Renew Your Mind & Time Journaling Workbook.
Devotional journals are shared Monday – Friday in Jesus Journaling!
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Watching with Spiritual Vigilance
In 1 Peter 5:8, we are warned to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
Like a sentinel guarding a city, we must stay alert, scanning for the subtle schemes the enemy uses to infiltrate our lives.
Those subtle schemes may look obvious if our eyes are wide open. The problem is his schemes deceptively cloud our vision.
If you’ve scrolled through Facebook or Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed the ads increasing based on Google searches you happen to have made.
That sounds harmless enough because you might have searched for a necessary vitamin or a physical issue you’re struggling with.
Suddenly you ‘need’ all the things you never knew you needed!
This happened to me recently when I searched for information about plantar fasciitis. I was inundated with every product on the market that supposedly would relieve my pain including all the shoes and inserts for arch support.
Although there’s nothing wrong with researching something you need to know, the adversary wants you to break the bank!
He will come at you with an angle that catches you off guard if you are not vigilantly watchful.
As moms, grandmas, aunts, and sisters, we hold a vital position in our families.
Much like a warrior standing watch over a vulnerable camp, our vigilance protects not just ourselves but those under our care.
This means being mindful of what we allow into our homes—through entertainment, conversations, and personal habits.
The choices we make not only shape our hearts but also influence the lives of our children, grandchildren, and others who look to us for guidance.
Watchfulness Against the Wiles of the Devil
The enemy’s tactics are cunning, often disguised in the ordinary and the appealing.
Matthew 7:15 warns us to “beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
Similarly, Proverbs 8:33-34 urges us to “hear instruction and be wise” and to “watch daily at [God’s] gates.”
People no longer live in cities surrounded by a wall. There are no sentinels guarding who comes in or out. Often, the police these days are ineffective.
When my kids were growing up, I purged our home of books, media, and toys that would conflict with influencing children to be godly.
At first, the internet wasn’t available but as soon as it was, it quickly became a new ‘door’ we needed to guard.
Online avenues are way more dangerous than they ever were ten years ago.
The adversary is busily trying to attack through our eye-gates on video reels and shorts.
We are being influenced boldly and not even subtly as we aimlessly scroll on our phones!
It’s more important than ever for women, to engage in watchfulness, and be on guard!
Being on guard requires spiritual discipline—rooting ourselves in prayer, meditation, and the Word of God.
As Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
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Guarding Your Heart and Standing Firm
Our watchfulness begins with the heart.
Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
When we guard our hearts, we protect the core of our faith and ensure that our thoughts, words, and actions reflect Christ.
This doesn’t mean we live in fear, but rather with confidence and strength.
1 Corinthians 16:13 encourages us to “watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”
As we remain steadfast, we are strengthened not by our own power but through Christ, whose presence anchors us.
Psalms is a good place to start by strengthening your heart.
Looking to Jesus
To stand strong in the face of challenges, we must fix our eyes on Jesus.
Ephesians 3:17 reminds us of the power of faith: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love…”
Jesus is our ultimate example of vigilance. His life was marked by prayer, discernment, and unwavering focus on God’s will.
Motherhood as a Call to Watchfulness
Motherhood, in many ways, is a ministry of vigilance.
As mothers, we watch over our children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
We monitor what they consume—what they watch, read, and listen to—ensuring they are nurtured in an environment that points them toward Christ.
But our role doesn’t stop there.
We also model watchfulness by our example.
Children learn by observing, and when they see us guarding our hearts, standing firm in faith, and relying on Christ, they are more likely to adopt those habits themselves.
Watching for the Imminent Return of Jesus
Finally, as we live with vigilance, we do so with anticipation of Christ’s return.
Luke 12:15 warns against the distraction of earthly possessions: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
Instead, we are called to keep our focus on eternity, living each day as though Jesus could return at any moment.
In Conclusion
Watchfulness is not just a spiritual discipline—it’s a way of life.
It requires diligence, prayer, and unwavering faith.
By standing strong and staying vigilant, we not only protect ourselves from the enemy and also guide those we influence toward a closer walk with God.
Let’s pay attention to the call of Romans 16:17: “Note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”
Let’s be rooted in God’s Word, steadfast in our faith, and ever watchful for the return of our Savior.
How are you maintaining watchfulness over yourself and your home?
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You will love the Renew Your Mind & Time Journaling Workbook
It’s designed to transform your life into a new creation in Christ. As you read the Bible verse you will experience intimacy with Jesus as you write out Scripture and journal how the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart.
