When Our Eyes Are Closed

A Reflection on Psalm 91:11–12

Over the years, I have given my daughter several pieces of green jade. Curiously, after months of wearing them, the stones seem to become paler, sometimes almost white. Yet the jade I wear tends to become greener.

Perhaps there is a perfectly ordinary explanation. But these little changes have also made me think about something else.

My daughter, like so many of us, carries the worries and uncertainties of everyday life. As her mother, I often wish I could take some of those burdens away.

Yet how much can we truly control?

Every night, we close our eyes and surrender ourselves to sleep. Our hearts continue beating, the world carries on, and life unfolds beyond our awareness.

We cannot remain awake to watch over everything.

Psalm 91:11–12 reminds us of God’s angels watching over us, guarding us in our ways. For me, these words speak of a loving presence that does not depend upon our ability to see or recognize it.

This does not mean that life will be free from hardship or suffering. Rather, faith invites us to trust that we need not face life’s uncertainties alone.

Sometimes we mistake worrying for caring, believing that the more we worry, the more control we have.

But love and worry are not the same thing.

We can love deeply, act responsibly, and still learn to surrender what lies beyond our hands.

Perhaps this is something both my daughter and I are learning, each in our own way.

She is learning to navigate the uncertainties of life. And I am learning that loving someone does not mean being able to protect them from everything.

Can love become less anxious without becoming less attentive?

Perhaps that, too, is part of our becoming.

Every night, we close our eyes, trusting that another morning will come.

And perhaps faith deepens when we discover that we do not have to hold everything ourselves.

A Prayer for God’s Unseen Protection

Psalm 91:11–12

Heavenly Father,

As we go about our daily lives, remind us that Your loving presence is always near.

When worries weigh upon our hearts, grant us peace. When uncertainty clouds our thoughts, teach us to trust.

Watch over us as we sleep, guide our steps as we walk, and surround those we love with Your tender care.

May Your holy angels guard us in our ways, especially in those moments when we are unaware of the dangers and difficulties around us.

Help us to do what we can with love and wisdom, and surrender what lies beyond our control into Your hands.

For even when our eyes are closed, Your love never rests.

Amen.