“Watchfulness is the whetstone of the spiritual disciplines, the one practice that keeps the other habits sharp.” (Brian Hedges, ‘Watchfulness: Recovering a lost spiritual discipline’)

The Puritans considered watchfulness to be the prince of spiritual disciplines. As the above quote suggests, it is the discipline that holds all the others in place.

As David fled from the murderous Saul, he penned Psalm 59. In his distress, turmoil and uncertainty, he chose to fix his eyes on the God who could protect him. As a political refugee, his hope lay in the protection his God alone could provide.

We can only assume that this discipline of looking out and waiting patiently for God’s mercies was critical to David’s standing firm through his time of trial. That God reveals himself to us, enables us to see him and know his flawless character, and provides an unassailable foundation for hope is itself a precious mercy. Keeping our eyes open to these things—being watchful—helps us maintain a loose hold on the world and a tight hold on his eternal kingdom.

We do this now by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. We do it by setting our thoughts on things above, not on earthly things. Being watchful moves us to put ourselves in the path of God’s promises and God’s people for our ongoing encouragement.

Let’s pray we remain vigilant in our watchfulness.