Watching Us - Psalm 121:7-8

 

Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (NIV)

The mindfulness of God is something that I have grown to really appreciate over the years. His constant presence has helped me on many occasions to overcome times of adversity, distress, and tragedy that I thought I would never be able to endure. It wasn’t just that God sustained me during those critical times; He embraced the situation I was in and walked with me through the pain, fear, and confusion. God’s empathy with my sickness and sorrow reassured me; His quiet presence strengthened me and gave me the hope to begin again.

Some people think that God watches over our lives to catch us out and add to our list of sins, so that on the Day of Reckoning God can fully indict us of our defiance, disobedience, and dalliance with sinful choices and deeds. That would make God capricious, a deity who delighted in tormenting our souls and overshadowing our lives with fear. I don’t see that in this scripture. In this text, God watching over us is like that of a parent who is both concerned and aware of what their child is experiencing. Rather than being punitive, God is protective. Instead of being vengeful, God is mindful, so He watches over us with concern and compassion, awareness and love.

I hope that this watchfulness of God will help you through your current experiences; I pray that Gods’ mindfulness will also give you the strength to overcome whatever you are presently enduring.

Point to ponder: Am I aware that God lovingly watches over me? Am I ready to receive His love and compassion?

Prayer: Lord God, You have given us life to experience Your light even in times of suffering and despair. Help us to reach out to You in the midst of what we are presently experiencing, in order to receive and be embraced by Your love. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to see what’s happening at the church, just click on this link: www.erinpres.org

Today’s image is one of John’s Pentecost drawings called “New Spirit.” You can view a larger version at this link: New Spirit.

God Won't Forget You - Hebrews 6:10

Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. (NIV)

One of the greatest ways we can show God’s love is to help others. Most churches have faithful people who serve and worship God by compassionately – and very often quietly – supporting others who are undergoing hard times, health issues, and other problems. As a pastor, I am constantly amazed and encouraged by kindhearted people who live their lives lovingly. They make the world a better place and do a lot for the well-being of the local community with their good works, generosity, and empathy. Their faith is very down-to-earth and highly practical; in God’s eyes, their good works are commendable and memorable which is plainly expressed in today’s highlighted Bible verse.

Application Q: What good can I do today? Who can I encourage and support at this time?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You showed God’s love by healing people who were hurt, comforting those who were grieving, and restoring those who were lost. Your compassion displayed the goodness of God’s Kingdom in the world. Help us to do all that we can to follow in your footsteps today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship each Sunday at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s early Communion drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Cup.