You’re being watched!

Being watched can be scary unless you’re prepared.

I strolled down the tightly lined street, trying to be aware of my environment. It wasn’t that I was afraid, I wanted to find something interesting to photograph. Trying not to look like I was intentionally snooping into folks’ personal spaces, I swept my surroundings with an eye for framing and something stopped me.

I inspected the shrubs, trees, fences… anything that might hide someone or something moving. I retraced my steps and began my forward movement again. The same feeling came over me.

What an odd feeling. That someone or something close to me was watching me.

I lifted my head and noticed him. That is no small owl. He wasn’t moving. He just sat on the railing three stories above me. At least I didn’t have to worry about him swooping down, grabbing me by the hair on my head with his talons, and carrying me away to do who knows what to me. That is, I didn’t have to worry once I realized he was strapped to the railing.

I’m guessing they placed him there to scare off other birds. He seemed to be doing a pretty good job at it. He also did a fair job of getting me to keep walking after snapping a few quick photos. I know he wasn’t looking at me, but it sure felt like it.

Have you ever had that feeling?

You’re sure someone is watching you. But you don’t know if, in fact, they are. And, if they are, you don’t know from where they’re doing it.

Here’s the thing… someone is watching you.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (NASB)

It would take more time and space than we have in this post to discuss, but I happen to believe the devil is not everywhere at once, and that he cannot read our thoughts. However, I believe he is a strong angelic being who opposes God and does all he can to thwart God’s purposes. I believe there are demons acting on Satan’s behalf, and while they cannot read our thoughts, they know our minds from our actions.

We know Satan by many names. I’ve listed a few to remind us.

He is the accuser. (Revelation 12:10)

He is the tempter. (Matthew 4:3)

He is a liar. (John 8:44)

He is a deceiver. (Revelation 12:9)

He is our adversary. (1 Peter 5:8)

That’s why Peter tells us to be of sober spirit and alert. Satan or one of his demons will not likely approach you and ask you to read your Bible, pray, go to church, or seek time with other Christians as ways to know God. He’ll make accusations, tempt you, lie, and deceive you. Because… he is your adversary.

Not to worry!

Peter goes on to tell us in verse 9, “But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”

When we’re accused, tempted, lied to and deceived by the devil, we can place our faith in God.

I like the way the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association puts it. “Don’t ever doubt that God is far, far stronger than Satan. Satan’s power is limited; God’s power is limitless. Satan’s power is temporary; God’s power is eternal. Satan’s power is entirely evil; God’s power is entirely good.”¹

Do you ever feel Satan trying to influence you? What do you do about it?

¹https://billygraham.org/answer/who-is-stronger-satan-or-god/

Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.