Stay Awake and Ready
Scripture
Luke 21:34–36 (CJB)
“But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap! … Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
Reflection
There’s a quiet danger in comfort — not in the kind of rest that comes from God, but in the kind of comfort that lulls us to sleep. Jesus’ words here are not meant to instill fear, but to awaken our hearts. He reminds us that the greatest threat to our faith isn’t always persecution or blatant sin — sometimes, it’s distraction.
The enemy doesn’t always come roaring like a lion; sometimes, he comes whispering through convenience, routine, and busyness. If Satan can’t destroy you, he’ll distract you.
We live in a world that glorifies productivity and constant motion. But motion doesn’t always mean progress. Many of us are spiritually exhausted — not because we’ve walked away from God, but because we’ve walked without awareness of His presence. We’ve let the “worries of everyday living” dull our sensitivity to the Spirit.
Jesus calls us to live differently — not frantic, but focused. Not fearful, but faithful. To be awake is to walk with spiritual awareness: to notice when your heart grows cold, when your joy fades, or when your priorities shift from eternal to temporary things.
Every moment you spend with God sharpens your spiritual senses. Every time you pray instead of scroll, listen instead of react, or give thanks instead of complain, you are staying awake.
Deeper Insight
When Jesus says “stay alert,” the Greek word used implies continuous vigilance — a posture of readiness, not panic. Think of a watchman on the wall — eyes scanning the horizon, not because he fears what’s coming, but because he longs to see his King.
That’s the posture Jesus calls us to take: hearts set on His return, hands ready to serve, and eyes looking upward with hope.
Living “awake” means guarding your spirit from apathy. It means asking yourself often, “What is pulling my focus from the eternal to the temporary?” and being willing to adjust your path before distraction becomes distance.
Personal Challenge
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Identify what dulls your spirit — busyness, fear, entertainment, resentment — and surrender it to God.
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Trade distraction for devotion. Spend time in quiet prayer before checking your phone, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak first.
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Refocus your eyes on eternity. The chaos of today is temporary; the Kingdom of God is eternal.
Prayer
Lord, awaken my heart. When the noise of this world grows loud, let Your whisper be louder. Keep my eyes open to Your presence and my spirit sensitive to Your leading. Forgive me when I drift into distraction or numbness. Teach me to live with expectation, not fear — to stay ready, alert, and anchored in Your peace. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to endure what lies ahead, and let my life bring You glory until the day I stand before You.
In Yeshua’s mighty name, amen.
Closing Thought
Staying awake doesn’t mean doing more; it means being aware.
The more your heart is fixed on Him, the less the world can lull you to sleep.
- Rev Carlos Figueroa
