TRUST AND BE PROTECTED
Fourth of six devotions in Proud Insolence series
Psalm 125:1: “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”
Thanks be to God, who is sovereign over all things and everyone! The title of this series reminds me the state of my homeland, the United States of America. Today is the 241st birthday of the USA. During this anniversary celebrating our independence from Great Britain, I wonder how many are shaking their heads wondering how long we will endure as a free nation.
Let us remember the saying, “Don’t tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how big your God is!”
Thank You, Holy Spirit, for reminding me of that truth!
When we focus on the grace that surrounds us, God’s grace is all we’ll see and experience. There will always be a choice between focusing on challenges that besiege us or praising God for His grace that wraps around, protecting us. Clearly there is evil throughout the world. Life can be very difficult. Jesus advises in John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.”
Jesus also warns and comforts us in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
God is my refuge, an ever-present help, my haven, my womb. Every person journeyed from the womb’s safe environment as a tiny fetus growing into a baby. Extremely vulnerable, we stretched and swam into a new world. Birth wasn’t our idea. We’ve been floundering ever since.
We can still live in the shelter of our loving God by choosing faith as our protection.
Everything else suddenly becomes irrelevant. God’s protection and love are available at all times. Now that the world is global, I don’t revolve the world around my homeland. Truth is, Israel is the apple of our heavenly Father’s eyes! (Zechariah 2:8).
Take Home Nugget
Israel is a tiny country. The map shows her surrounded by hostile enemies—except the Mediterranean Sea that is her western boundary. The Arab world is 800 X larger than Israel. This is her frightening reality.
A different reality blossoms around Jerusalem, her capital. This topical reality is softer, sweeter. Jerusalem is enclosed by mountains. Like petals of a rose, Jerusalem is walled with beauty, grace, and protection.
Psalm 125:2 defines Jerusalem as a spiritual reality: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people both now and forevermore.” Emphasis mine. Just as the mountains construct a physical barrier between Jerusalem and invading forces, God Himself provides protection for those who trust Him.
Be my Iron Dome, Lord! Protect me from fiery darts as my shield now and forevermore! Amen.
Adapted from “Surrounded by Grace“ by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. www.HolyLandMoments.com. June 25, 2017.
J.D. Griffith
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