Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 15, 2019
I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
One of the great challenges in modern life is learning to slow down long enough to see God’s hand at work in our midst. It is remarkably easy to rush from one place to the next without once pausing to be mindful of God and his faithful provision in our lives. As a result, busy days turn into busy seasons and busy seasons become our default posture in life.
Busyness is often rooted in a posture of self-reliance. Though we may never explicitly say it, our actions reveal an underlying belief that says, “If I don’t take care of myself, who will?” And while this sentiment may be deeply American, it isn’t Christian.
Faithful discipleship is an invitation into a daily process of letting go of your need for control. It is a process of learning to be at peace, even in the midst of a storm. It is ever-increasing clarity on who God is and his unfailing protection and care for you. As the psalmist reminds us, “The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life” (Psalm 121:7).
What does it mean to be “kept from all evil?” Does this mean we should cling to this verse as our promise of financial prosperity, relational harmony, and pain-free living? While many have built entire theological systems around such claims, I fear they are missing the heart of this ancient prayer and the heart of what it means to walk through life with the LORD on our side.
As the psalmist says elsewhere, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). For David and countless others throughout history, and possibly for you in this very moment, the journey of life takes you through seasons of dark valleys, intense sorrow, and great uncertainty. The promise of God is not that we will be immune and unaffected by brokenness, but that God will not abandon us in the face of evil. That there is no place we can go or find ourselves where He cannot reach us or enter into our greatest pains or fears.
If the LORD is with you, you are perfectly safe and secure, regardless of what your circumstances may say. Slow down and have eyes to see the LORD’s protection and provision in your life. He “will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4), which means you can rest in peace and awake in safety.
Prayer
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (traditional prayer)
Application
How does the LORD’s nearness and protection reframe your current trials and challenges?
Related Reading
2 Chronicles 20:12; Isaiah 40:26; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
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The promise of God is not that we will be unaffected by brokenness, but that God will not abandon us in our brokenness. #WisdomHunters #brokenness #Jesus
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