The Lord watches over you
Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:
What did I like about today’s passage?
We’ve just started a big chunk of “song of ascents”, Psalms which were sung as people gathered from across the world to worship God at the temple in Jerusalem. After times of separation and darkness, even of national exile, these poems and songs were the sound of moving together in the direction of hope.
I love how we can relate to this right now! 2020 has been a year of unusual separation from a body of worshippers. We have wanted and worked to get together as much as possible but, as I’m writing, the news is breaking that a new lockdown is frustrating our best plans.
What stands out to me in these Psalms, though, is that while God’s people clearly love gathering, and Jerusalem is a focus of awe and wonder in Psalm 122, the people who have endured suffering in separation are reminded that they are not defined by where they have been, where they are now or even where they are going physically.
It’s their connection to the Lord which brings them together, even across great distance. In Psalm 120, a long way off, they call to the Lord. They look to him in Psalms 121 and 123, and in Psalm 124, they remember and praise the Lord for being with them, always watching back, protecting and answering prayers, even in the worst times of separation. Look again – can you see that recognition of God’s presence in each of these Psalms?
So, lots of us might not know what we’ll be able to do next week in terms of work and gathering. That is clearly going to be stressful. However, I love that we do know that we can always look to the Lord who always watches over us.
What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
God promises his presence in our lives even when we are not yet present at a worship gathering. His assurance goes above and beyond the turbulence of our daily news. It’s an eternal promise in Psalm 121:7-8…
“The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore.”
What am I going to do differently as a result?
My stress levels go up in times of uncertainty, even if I’m not directly affected. I am aware of how my eyes get diverted easily by flashes of breaking news. But keeping my eyes on God who keeps watching me like a loving father is something I can practise and enjoy.
I will take more time this week to pause and remember the certainty of God’s presence, protection and love for us. I am sure that he can guide what I need to do, but I will remember that my certainty comes from who I am in God’s eyes rather than what I’m doing.
Who am I going to share this with?
My family and others I follow Jesus with.