Hiding from evil

"Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers." - Psalm 64:2

It is very easy for us as South Africans to draw a parallel from today's reading, to the recent events of looting and violence in our country. It seems clear that those behind the actions plotted and conspired to bring maximum destruction to our communities. 

So, in light of these events, how do read David's words and what do we make of them? Would this mean that we hope God can hide us from the physical evildoers, or is he asking for protection from the fallout of their actions? Or is it a little of both? It is clear that as Christ-followers we will not be exempt from suffering, but what can we expect from God during these times? 

I realise these are tough questions, but they are on everyone's minds at the moment. Perhaps my response is too simplistic for some, but I want to believe that I can turn to God for help in my time of need and that God will protect me from the 'evil one.' This doesn't mean that I will never face trials or sorrow, but I see it as God's promise to keep my 'soul/spirit/life' safe from the clutches of the enemy. Even in ultimate death I can know that I am in the strong hands of my loving Saviour.

"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings." - Psalm 17:8

Living in Grace

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The Canopy

                                                             

The scriptures capture some beautiful images of God's love and protection for all God's children. Isaiah is one of those prophets who used many creative 'pictures' to share the message of God's mercy with the Israelites. Reading through Isaiah 4, I came to these verses which I want to share with you today:

"Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain."

What do you think of that? 

I love the image of the canopy - God's glory will be like a canopy protecting us from the sun (heat) and hiding place protecting us from the storms of life.

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest." - Corrie Ten Boom

Living in Grace

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Protecting your eyes

"My child, remember what I say and never forget what I tell you to do. ² Do what I say, and you will live. Be as careful to follow my teaching as you are to protect your eyes. ³ Keep my teaching with you all the time; write it on your heart. ⁴ Treat wisdom as your sister, and insight as your closest friend." - Proverbs 7:1-4

There are a few interesting points from today's Proverb that I would like to highlight.

1. The author is so convinced of his words of instruction that he urges the listeners to 'do what he says!' This is a simple, but profound point, because there are many people who are good at speaking, but very bad at following up with their actions. 

2. Following Godly wisdom of the Truly Wise will add 'Abundant Life' to our days.

3. We must hold onto Jesus' teaching as we would seek to protect our eyes. Obviously our eyes are such an important part of our body - they help us orientate ourselves in the physical world. In a similar way, our spiritual eyes will help us navigate through our spiritual world. 

4. Writing God's teachings onto our heart means to know it so well, that is almost as if it has been engraved on our hearts.

5. Wisdom us to be treated with dignity, honour and respect.

“There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” -  Soren Kierkegaard

Living in Grace
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