There are things that go bump in the night that disturb our sleep. There are things that go bump in the daytime that disrupt our plans. There are things that go bump in our immune systems that weaken our health. There are things that go bump through our connected devices that cause slowdowns and flash crashes. We need to watch out for all the things that go bump.

There is so much we can’t see coming. Darkness provides cover for evildoers. A lack of visibility into our own bodies and equipment hides weaknesses that could cause a breakdown. So we depend on others to watch over us, and others depend on us to watch over them. God assigns vigilant people to do different kinds of watching. They de-bump things before they cause harm. “I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest” (Isaiah 62:6).

Brave public servants answer alarms at all hours and rush in when angels step aside. They may not even realize they are God’s watchmen. Emergency rooms are staffed with people who are always ready. Someone is always watching a radar screen somewhere. The list goes on. And there are dedicated watchmen who keep an eye on God’s promises. They pray over us and call out his name to us so that when things go bump in our souls, we can rest assured that all is well.