Intimations of Mortality (and of God’s Care)
A few minutes later, on the exercise bike at the YMCA, I thought in a new way about a scripture which I have been reflecting on lately. Psalm 127: 1 says “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain.” It is very clear to me that the Lord was watching over me today. I believe that after looking both ways, he caused me to glance again to my left and see the car coming. As I read Psalm 127:1, it says that I can be as vigilant and careful as I like, but unless God watches over me, all my care and vigilance are in vain.
Of course, the point of this verse is not that cities do not need watchmen or that we do not need to be careful. The point is simply that our human efforts, in and of themselves, are not nearly enough. We must have God watching over us or our vigilance and our own self-care are in vain. Lately I have been trying to be vigilant and to take “care of myself.” I try to exercise daily, I have lost a little weight, and I go the doctor regularly. But Psalm 127:1 says that unless God watches over me, all my own watching over myself is for nothing!
Psalm 91: 11 and 12 gives us this promise: “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
2 Kings 6:15-17 says: “ When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh, my lord, what shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don't be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Psalm 34:7 says: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
1 Samuel 2:9 says, “He will guard the feet of his saints….It is not by strength that one prevails.”
One historical figure I admire for his faith is the Confederate General, Stonewall Jackson. Jackson was a fellow Presbyterian , but much more importantly he was a devout Christian. When asked about his fearlessness in battle he once said, “My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me." He added…"That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave." On another occasion after coming through a battle, Jackson said, “Our God was my shield. His protecting care is an additional cause for gratitude.”
I thank God for all the ways He cares for and protects you and me, many of which we take for granted, and about some of which we are even unaware. I want always to try to be vigilant and careful, but I also give God glory that He cares for you and me and He has sustained us all though life up until this very hour. Truly we are in His hands.
(this article first appeared in the Pearland-Reporter News, used by permission)