I think that my brother Alan is the most caring sibling in our family. He doted on my mother and took special care of her when she was ailing. He took time to wash her hair and make her comfortable. Alan and his partner, who is also called Alan, took her out for car trips that she enjoyed. He visited her in hospital constantly when she was admitted to long-term wards. He was gentle and loving with her, never seemingly getting frustrated or angry at her, even when she was at her most difficult.
Alan even washed her feet and gently massaged them. She suffered terribly from rheumatics, and sometimes just touching her feet could have her crying in agony. My brother patiently and tenderly took care of her, even making sure that she had a cushioned footstool to rest her weary and painful feet.
A footstool is a humble piece of furniture that provides rest for a weary person. It’s mentioned in Psalm 99, so does this mean that God sometimes grows tired and needs to rest His weary feet? No, of course not. In this case, the footstool is used as a majestic symbol of the promises God makes to His people. They rest assured, knowing God will keep those promises and abide by them, even when the people roast His heart and try His patience. This is why they worship at His footstool, which means that they humbly and reverently praise God for keeping His promises.
Today, we can do the same. In our busy lives, we sometimes get spiritually weary, causing our faith to weaken and become ineffective. During those moments, we are invited to come and worship at the Lord’s footstool in order to rely on God for strength, to look to Him for renewal, by holding on to His promises. If we make time to do this, God will make time to help us.
Point to ponder: What can I bring to God’s footstool today, to be relieved of my burden and refreshed in my soul?
Prayer: Almighty God, today we worship at Your footstool, placing all our hopes and dreams, aims and goals, as well as our times and lives into Your care. We pray that You will be patient and tender with us, so that You can help and heal us. We make these prayers, resting on Your promises and in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.
John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor living in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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