Watch and stand guard

🔹 1. Warm Welcome (1 minute)

Good morning everyone.

Thank you so much for letting me be with you today. I don’t take it lightly. I know I’m speaking to a group of people who shoulder a lot more than the world sees.

Most people pass by you without realizing the pressure you're under. They see the uniform, the posture, the role — but they might not see the long hours, the mental alertness you have to maintain, the constant awareness, the discipline it takes to stay focused when most people are tuned out.

And here’s the thing: it’s not just what you do — it’s who you are.

You’ve taken on the quiet role of protector — and that’s not small. That’s weighty. That’s honourable. And that’s seen by God.

So I want to speak to your spirit today — not just to your job title. Because you're not just watching. You're covered. You’re not just on duty — you’re walking in purpose.

🔹 2. Main Verse – Psalm 3:3 (1 minute)

Let’s start with a powerful reminder from Scripture — Psalm 3:3:

“But You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head high.”

I love that verse because it speaks to three things: 🔹Protection — “a shield around me.” 🔹Identity — “my glory.” 🔹Encouragement — “the One who lifts my head.”

We’ll unpack those in a moment, but let that verse settle in. It’s personal. It’s present. It’s for you.

It’s God saying: I don’t just see what you do — I’ve got you surrounded.

And that matters — because even those who stand strong need somewhere to lean.

🔹 3. You’re a Watchman With Purpose (2.5 minutes)

Now let’s look at another verse — Ezekiel 33:7:

“I have made you a watchman…”

God was speaking to Ezekiel, calling him to warn and guard the people spiritually — but I believe this applies to what you do physically and mentally every day.

Because you’re not just a bystander. You’re not just someone passing time until the next thing happens. You’re a watchman.

What does that mean?

It means you stand in the gap. You observe what others overlook. You remain alert when most are comfortable.

A watchman is someone trusted — someone positioned with purpose. In biblical times, cities would place watchmen on the walls, day and night, because peace depended on their alertness.

And here’s what’s beautiful: that job wasn’t about glamour — it was about faithfulness.

It was about being there. About showing up. About being ready.

And that’s exactly what you do. You carry that same spirit. God has entrusted you with presence — not just to be somewhere, but to stand for something.

You’re helping create an atmosphere of peace. You're helping deter danger. You are helping protect people — even if they never know it.

And in all of that, God honours your role.

🔹 4. God is Your Shield (3 minutes)

But let’s flip the perspective.

You’re the one watching over others… but who watches over you?

Let’s go back to Psalm 3:3:

“You, O Lord, are a shield around me…”

That word “shield” is so much deeper than just a metal plate in front of you. In the Hebrew language, it means something all-encompassing— it’s not just in front of you; it’s around you.

God isn’t offering partial protection. He’s not covering you halfway. He’s covering your front, your back, your sides, your spirit, your emotions, your family, your reputation — everything.

But we often forget that. We get so used to being strong for others that we ignore our own cracks. We put on emotional armor. We suppress what we’re carrying. And we convince ourselves that we have to handle it all.

But God never asked you to carry it alone.

He is not only a shield — He is the One who lifts your head.

Why does that matter?

Because sometimes life wears us down. Maybe you’ve had nights where you go home drained, unseen, frustrated. Maybe there are days where the routine feels heavy or you’re battling something no one else knows about.

But God sees it. And He doesn’t just give strength — He becomes it.

He lifts your head — meaning He restores your hope, your confidence, your sense of worth. He doesn’t let you hang your head in discouragement — He meets you right there and says, “I’ve got you.”

You are shielded. You are held. You are known.

🔹 5. Final Encouragement (2 minutes)

So here’s what I want to leave you with.

✅ Your work matters — even when it goes unnoticed. ✅Your role matters — even when people walk past you. ✅Your presence matters — because you bring peace just by being there.

But most of all — YOU matter.

Not just the badge. Not just the shift. You — the person behind it all. The human being God created with purpose and strength and value.

You’re not invisible. You’re not forgotten. And you’re not walking alone.

So the next time you're standing guard, remember: God is guarding you.

The next time you feel tired, remember: God is your strength.

And the next time you feel overlooked, remember: God sees you — and He’s the One lifting your head.

🔹 Optional Closing Prayer (1 minute)

Can I pray with you?

(If yes…)

Let’s pray.

Father, I thank You for every person in this room. For their courage, their quiet discipline, their service to others. You see the things no one else sees. You know the weight they carry. And You promise to be a shield around them — their protector, their strength, and the lifter of their head.

I pray for peace in their minds. Strength in their bodies. Hope in their hearts. Be with them in every shift. Watch over them as they watch over others. And remind them daily that they are covered, they are valued, and they are loved.

In Jesus’ name — Amen.