The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Psalm 121:8
The work week always has its challenges. There are some victories and some defeats. Everything doesn’t always go as planned. How can we plan for the unforeseen? I am probably the biggest planner of all. That comes from my dad who had a mental list for us to work on come Saturday. There was never a Saturday (unless we were on vacation) that wasn’t filled with work. Everything from planting seeds to washing the car was on his list. There was usually a dozen or more items on the list. If all were not done then it wasn’t a great day. Get more than the list had done and it was a great day. Those things continue with me to this day. I have daily plans and seldom do I let something go to the next day.
Once, while visiting a mission work in Malawi, I was working feverishly trying to get electric run to another building. I had several Malawians working with me and they couldn’t understand why I worked so hard. One of the men said to me, “Pastor, why do you work so hard? We can finish this tomorrow.” To which I replied, “Oh no, we have a lot more to do then.” Oh the American way of life.
I guess western culture doesn’t work for theirs. Fact is, we can always find plenty to do. Psalm 121:8 is the last verse of this amazing psalm. I believe the writer is telling us to take time to just consider the Lord. We sing an old hymn which has a line that says, ‘When I look into your holiness…” This is the place I should be everyday. At some point in my day I need to stop what I am doing and consider the holiness of God. I am able to do what I do because he shields me from my enemies, the heat of the sun, the challenges of the night and more. This psalm reminds me that he is my keeper. All the work I have done means nothing if he does not keep me. Another old hymn tells me that “He will hold me fast.”
I urge you today just to take the time and acknowledge all that God has done for you this week. Don’t rush the gratitude. Actually take time and acknowledge His ways, His care and His love over you. I know some will say to me, “You don’t know my difficulties.” You’re right, I don’t, but He does.” Don’t be afraid to go to your Father and talk with Him. I am reminded that He knows our needs even before we pray. He already knows what you are going through. Just sit with your Heavenly Father and talk with Him. He is there and listens.
I thank God for His protective hand. Do you?
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