It’s a beautiful scripture, but it is so often quoted out of context (for example, on social media) that we get used to it and often miss the depth of the promise. In context, God not only promises to watch over Jacob, but also makes a number of other promises to the patriarch. Although the words were spoken to a specific individual, many other scriptures show it is reasonable to take them as our own if we, like Jacob, are walking with God and allowing him to work his purpose in our lives.
But if we are going to apply these words to our own relationship with God, why not spend some time thinking about the fullness of what they show. Rather than allowing ourselves to see the scripture as just a group of words with a single positive message of divine protection or care, why not break them down and focus on the fact that they contain not one general promise, but four very specific ones:
(1) God’s presence (“I am with you”), (2) God’s preservation (“I will watch over you”), (3) God’s restoration (“I will bring you back”), (4) God’s promises (“what I have promised you”).
Take a little time to think on what each of these promises can mean in your life – if you feel they apply to you, why not apply them fully!
