He Stands Guard

“Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their cavalry gallops headlong; their horsemen come from afar. They fly like an eagle swooping to devour.”

Habakkuk 1:8

Parts of Southern California suburbia back up against dry mountain canyons where packs of coyotes howl at night. You don’t hear them in daylight, but when darkness falls, the desolate yowls begin and often last until dawn. It’s a reminder that for all our tended yards and comfortable homes, wild things still prowl just beyond the light.

In today’s Scripture, the prophet describes an invading army “fiercer than wolves at dusk.” We all face such invaders—an army of dark, anxious thoughts that tear and devour all suggestions of comfort and calm. At such times, remember that your Good Shepherd stands guard. He never sleeps, never goes off duty. And even in the night shadows, He bids His sheep to lie down in green pastures, untroubled by worries and fears (Psalm 121:3-4; 23:1-2).

He is the only One who can slay fierce wolves that crawl out of hiding when darkness falls. Set your thoughts on Him, and the creatures of the night will slink back to their caves.

Lord Jesus, the wolves have been howling again, and my thoughts are troubled. As best as I know how, I rest my thoughts on You. Stand sentry outside the gate of my mind. Set up camp between me and the dark canyons of night. You have never faced a wolf You couldn’t slay, and You never will.