The promise of God to His people is simple in its essence and profound in its beauty; it is a core belief of our faith: The Lord watches over all who love him. (Psalm 145:20) It is a promised reiterated over and over again in the pages of the Bible.
God promised Jacob: I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. (Genesis 28:15) To Moses, God would say: My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33: 14) To Joshua he gave this promise: As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)
God speaks to David in Psalm 32 and gives him this promise: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (Psalm 32:8)
In Psalm 121 we have these words that re-enforce this truth: The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 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. (Psalm 121:5-8)
The presence of God that abides with us, that leads us and protects us gives us assurance in a world that can be a scary place at times. When I feel vulnerable and afraid, when the path before me is uncertain, when I cannot find rest for my soul, when my own strength fails me and I have no where else turn, God is there, watching over me -- in this I find a measure peace and joy.
God has said through the prophet Jeremiah: I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. (Jeremiah 33:6). In this world, any sense of lasting security is fleeting, but in the Lord we find what our hearts truly long for; a sense of belonging, to feel safe and secure. Through faith, we have a hope that is for us an anchor for our souls. (Hebrews 6:19)
In the word of Peter, we confess: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. (John 6:68) We have One who is to us our refuge and strength, who invites us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)
It's no wonder David could say: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4)
As we continue our journey through this life what greater assurance could we find than to know there is a God who loves us, who cares for us, who walk with us; you tell me, where else can you find such assurance; where else can you turn to find rest and security?
Like the Psalmist, we pray: Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. (Psalm 16:1) And we confess: Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. (Psalm 16:5)
This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength". (Isaiah 30:15)
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