Psalm 140:1-2
Rescue me from cruel and violent enemies, LORD! They think up evil plans and always cause trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In William P. Young’s book, The Shack, he tells the story of a four-year-old girl named Missy who was abducted by a serial killer who preyed on young girls. He abused them physically and sexually, then killed them… always leaving behind a painted ladybug as his “signature.” The father of the little girl in the story is given a chance to visit with three characters who represent God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Like any normal human being, he cannot wrap his brain around how horrific this experience must have been for his precious child. And he cannot fathom how God could allow such cruelty and violence – especially toward such an innocent little girl.
What the man discovers is that God was always with the little girl. He never left her, even in the depths of the brutality committed against her. God shielded her from much of the evil and pain. He shifted her focus onto Him, and He lifted her to heaven and wiped away every memory of the indignities committed against her.
There are several important messages presented in The Shack. One is that God can rescue us from the most insipid cruelty and violence. He may not accomplish this in the way we envision, but He will do it just the same. In other words, He did not stop what happened to this little girl from taking place… but He rescued her from it by holding her hand and leading her to the eternal safety of Paradise. As my grandmother would say, “There are worse things than dying.” Sometimes our healing and rescue comes in the form of death and a home with Jesus.
There is another message that I got from this book… there comes a point when you have done all you can do – and now it’s time to let go and let God. We spend an awful lot of time trying to fix things ourselves… to fight God’s battles for Him…and this never works. I told someone recently that I am really bad about giving my burdens and problems to God… but then I pick them back up again. It’s as if I want to say, “Yeah, but did You think of this? Did You remember that? And what about such-and such?” And this is not truly letting go and letting God have control.
We will never understand why bad things happen… why people have to suffer… why our plans don’t always work out like we hoped, even when we think we’ve done everything right. This passage speaks the truth… there are evil, cruel people who are busy 24/7 thinking up plans to cause trouble. The devil never sleeps! But God doesn’t either! He will rescue us.
When we have done all we can do and we finally turn to God and say, “I need your help,” He will say, “I’ve been here all along.” Truly, God is often just waiting for us to ask Him to take over. He is waiting for us to realize that we are out of our league. Are you recognizing God’s presence in your life today? Have you asked Him to rescue you from violent and cruel enemies? Isn’t this a good time to do “let go and let God?"
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2010
Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No matter what you have experienced, I guarantee you the Apostle Paul endured worse. Yet he boldly acknowledged that Christ gave him strength to face anything. Don’t you believe that God will do the same for you? If you have studied Paul’s life, you know that he was not always so faithful. You know that once, he was an enemy of Jesus… and may have even been present at the crucifixion, known then as Saul.
I know some of you have endured incredible hardships and challenges. I know some of you face tremendous uncertainties, heartaches, and disappointments. But I also know that what God did for Saul/Paul, He will most certainly do for us. And we can all face anything if we put our trust in Jesus Christ.
Regardless of who you are or where you are in life… no matter what you are facing… God’s grace and strength are sufficient for each of us. Step out in faith and ask Him to guide you. Put Christ at the forefront of your thoughts, and focus on Him as you tackle any and all challenges… from the tiniest issue to those that seem insurmountable. See how well He cares for you… how He strengthens you each day. I hope we never have to endure the trials and tribulations that Paul faced. But I know that Christ Jesus will give us the strength to face whatever comes our way. Do you believe this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No matter what you have experienced, I guarantee you the Apostle Paul endured worse. Yet he boldly acknowledged that Christ gave him strength to face anything. Don’t you believe that God will do the same for you? If you have studied Paul’s life, you know that he was not always so faithful. You know that once, he was an enemy of Jesus… and may have even been present at the crucifixion, known then as Saul.
I know some of you have endured incredible hardships and challenges. I know some of you face tremendous uncertainties, heartaches, and disappointments. But I also know that what God did for Saul/Paul, He will most certainly do for us. And we can all face anything if we put our trust in Jesus Christ.
Regardless of who you are or where you are in life… no matter what you are facing… God’s grace and strength are sufficient for each of us. Step out in faith and ask Him to guide you. Put Christ at the forefront of your thoughts, and focus on Him as you tackle any and all challenges… from the tiniest issue to those that seem insurmountable. See how well He cares for you… how He strengthens you each day. I hope we never have to endure the trials and tribulations that Paul faced. But I know that Christ Jesus will give us the strength to face whatever comes our way. Do you believe this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 14, 2010
June 14 ~ Isaiah 35:4
Don't tremble with fear! Didn't I tell you long ago? Didn't you hear me? I alone am God -- no one else is a mighty rock.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever considered how many landmarks include a rock? Early settlers docked near La Petite Rocher (later called La Petite Roche) – a “Little Rock” outcropping that became a noted landmark on maps and the point where ferries crossed the Arkansas River, as well as our state capital. When we talk about Sugar Loaf, we are usually referring to the “mountain” behind ASU-Heber Springs that is topped by a rock outcropping. However, there is a Sugar Loaf in Greers Ferry Lake near Fairfield Bay, and my parents and grandparents knew another rock outcropping as “Little Sugar Loaf” before the lake was formed. Today, when the lake level is low, the very top of “Little Sugar Loaf” is visible, just beyond a row of houses on Lakeshore Drive.
There are countless rock formations around the world that are readily recognizable by name. And the point is, when we think of a rock formation, we think of something solid and steady – something immovable and everlasting. When we think of God as our rock, we think of Him in the same way. He is solid, steady, immovable, everlasting. We don’t give a second thought to climbing to the top of Sugar Loaf… we expect the rock formation to hold us. We can depend on the rock that is our God to hold us without fail, as well.
Early settlers used rock formations and caves as shelter from the elements. God is our shelter. He is strong and protective and will keep us from harm. When someone says “Mt. Rushmore,” or “Little Rock,” or even “Sugar Loaf,” we know what they mean. There may be more than one formation with the same name, but in general, we think of the landmark that is within our scope of experience. The good news is that there is no mistaking who we mean when we talk of God as our rock, because there is no other. He is the one and only Rock on which we can place all of our fears, our worries, our insecurities – and our sins – and He will take them all and give us protection and comfort. He is infallible, immovable, strong and able. When God is truly our rock, we have nothing to fear. The key is to recognize Him and acknowledge His strength and power over our lives. Which “rocks” do you recognize? Do you trust in The One who matters most?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Don't tremble with fear! Didn't I tell you long ago? Didn't you hear me? I alone am God -- no one else is a mighty rock.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever considered how many landmarks include a rock? Early settlers docked near La Petite Rocher (later called La Petite Roche) – a “Little Rock” outcropping that became a noted landmark on maps and the point where ferries crossed the Arkansas River, as well as our state capital. When we talk about Sugar Loaf, we are usually referring to the “mountain” behind ASU-Heber Springs that is topped by a rock outcropping. However, there is a Sugar Loaf in Greers Ferry Lake near Fairfield Bay, and my parents and grandparents knew another rock outcropping as “Little Sugar Loaf” before the lake was formed. Today, when the lake level is low, the very top of “Little Sugar Loaf” is visible, just beyond a row of houses on Lakeshore Drive.
There are countless rock formations around the world that are readily recognizable by name. And the point is, when we think of a rock formation, we think of something solid and steady – something immovable and everlasting. When we think of God as our rock, we think of Him in the same way. He is solid, steady, immovable, everlasting. We don’t give a second thought to climbing to the top of Sugar Loaf… we expect the rock formation to hold us. We can depend on the rock that is our God to hold us without fail, as well.
Early settlers used rock formations and caves as shelter from the elements. God is our shelter. He is strong and protective and will keep us from harm. When someone says “Mt. Rushmore,” or “Little Rock,” or even “Sugar Loaf,” we know what they mean. There may be more than one formation with the same name, but in general, we think of the landmark that is within our scope of experience. The good news is that there is no mistaking who we mean when we talk of God as our rock, because there is no other. He is the one and only Rock on which we can place all of our fears, our worries, our insecurities – and our sins – and He will take them all and give us protection and comfort. He is infallible, immovable, strong and able. When God is truly our rock, we have nothing to fear. The key is to recognize Him and acknowledge His strength and power over our lives. Which “rocks” do you recognize? Do you trust in The One who matters most?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 9, 2010
June 9 ~ Psalm 46:2
And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever gotten news that absolutely sent you into a tailspin? As soon as you heard it, your mind started racing… “Omigosh… what will happen next? How will this end? Will everyone be okay? What does this mean for me?” It seems that Satan has a tremendous ability to upset our apple cart with very little effort sometimes. All he has to do is plant a seed of doubt or fear in our mind, and we are off to the races!
The next time you get this feeling… the next time something rattles your cage even momentarily, remember Psalm 46:2… “and so, we won’t be afraid. Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.” Let the devil try his hardest to upset us and make us worry, shake, rattle and roll. But let God’s peace and power cover us! Stand up and say, “It will be okay. God will make it so! I am not going to let this concern me for even one minute!”
Psalm 46:10 says, “Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God!’” Stop and rest in that for a while. Then thank Him for being so merciful… for blessing us with His power, grace and mercy. Thank God that you don’t have to operate in fear for even one minute… and kick that ole devil to the curb!
©2010 Debbie Robus
And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever gotten news that absolutely sent you into a tailspin? As soon as you heard it, your mind started racing… “Omigosh… what will happen next? How will this end? Will everyone be okay? What does this mean for me?” It seems that Satan has a tremendous ability to upset our apple cart with very little effort sometimes. All he has to do is plant a seed of doubt or fear in our mind, and we are off to the races!
The next time you get this feeling… the next time something rattles your cage even momentarily, remember Psalm 46:2… “and so, we won’t be afraid. Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.” Let the devil try his hardest to upset us and make us worry, shake, rattle and roll. But let God’s peace and power cover us! Stand up and say, “It will be okay. God will make it so! I am not going to let this concern me for even one minute!”
Psalm 46:10 says, “Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God!’” Stop and rest in that for a while. Then thank Him for being so merciful… for blessing us with His power, grace and mercy. Thank God that you don’t have to operate in fear for even one minute… and kick that ole devil to the curb!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 7, 2010
June 7 ~ Psalm 27:3
Armies may surround me, but I won't be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The next time someone says to me, “I think the ‘end times’ are near,” I’m gonna shout “Whoopie!!!” People say that in the same tone as they say, “Oooo… the boogie man is gonna get you!” If you stop and think about it, this is a ridiculous comment. Okay, maybe they say it because they see souls yet to be won to Christ and feel time is short. But this is really not how I hear it. I hear it more like “Be afraid… be very afraid!”
I, for one, am not afraid! For one thing, Psalm 27:3 tells us not to be. War may break out – the world may seem to fall apart – but we have nothing to fear. If we truly believe in God’s promises – if we believe that we are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and destined for Paradise, then we have absolutely, positively NOTHING to fear – most certainly about ‘end times!’
I may not have another day, week, month, or year. I have no clue… and frankly, even pondering it is a waste of the time God has given me to serve Him on this earth. I know that He knows exactly to the minute how long I have here, and He is counting on me to use my time wisely and to trust Him for the rest. So what if we are in the ‘end times’ – I’m ready…aren’t you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Armies may surround me, but I won't be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The next time someone says to me, “I think the ‘end times’ are near,” I’m gonna shout “Whoopie!!!” People say that in the same tone as they say, “Oooo… the boogie man is gonna get you!” If you stop and think about it, this is a ridiculous comment. Okay, maybe they say it because they see souls yet to be won to Christ and feel time is short. But this is really not how I hear it. I hear it more like “Be afraid… be very afraid!”
I, for one, am not afraid! For one thing, Psalm 27:3 tells us not to be. War may break out – the world may seem to fall apart – but we have nothing to fear. If we truly believe in God’s promises – if we believe that we are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and destined for Paradise, then we have absolutely, positively NOTHING to fear – most certainly about ‘end times!’
I may not have another day, week, month, or year. I have no clue… and frankly, even pondering it is a waste of the time God has given me to serve Him on this earth. I know that He knows exactly to the minute how long I have here, and He is counting on me to use my time wisely and to trust Him for the rest. So what if we are in the ‘end times’ – I’m ready…aren’t you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 22, 2010
May 22 ~ Numbers 14:9
So don't rebel. We have no reason to be afraid of the people who live there. The LORD is on our side, and they won't stand a chance against us!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
New and/or unfamiliar situations can be daunting for anyone. Small children who are entering the kindergarten or pre-school classroom for the first time may stall at the door – or even turn and cling to their mothers. More than once, I’ve had to reassure a mother, “Go ahead… five minutes after you leave he/she will have stopped crying and be fine.” I’ve even pried at least one child from the support post on the covered walkway as he screamed while his tearful mother drove away. Every single child was indeed fine after a few minutes. But stepping into the unknown and out of a comfort zone was huge for them.
In Numbers 13 and 14, Moses and Aaron have sent Caleb and Joshua to scout out the land of Canaan. They returned and reported it was “flowing with milk and honey.” It was also home to some large fortified cities. Caleb admits that there is opposition to a takeover there, but he believes the Israelites can do it. But once the people see the land for themselves, they are not so sure. They rebel and want to turn and go back to Egypt, claiming they would have been better off to die there than step into what they perceive as a death trap. So in essence, they are “clinging to the pole on the covered walkway” – frozen in their tracks with fear.
Now the point is, God had told Moses to investigate the land of Canaan. He had sanctioned this, and Moses was obedient. And when we are obedient – even when it seems like a scary - or even risky - leap of faith, God paves the way and protects us. So when your friends want you to go do things with them you know you shouldn’t, don’t fear being ridiculed. Trust God to protect you. When your boss is asking you to lie or do something dishonest or illegal at work, don’t fear losing your job… trust God to make sure that you will always have one – even if it means relocating. When someone invites you to church or a new Bible study, and you don’t want to go because “I won’t know anyone there,” step out in faith that God will help you get acquainted, if He is leading you to attend.
The key to success in this is to always consult God about everything. Don’t take a new job, accept a marriage proposal, have a baby, or move to a new city without talking to Him about it first. But also don’t join a Bible study, serve on a committee, or even run for Class President without consulting God. Make sure you have talked to God about every decision and choice in your life, both the big ones and those that seem insignificant. In all things, ask God where He is leading you… then let go of the pole and move forward.
©2010 Debbie Robus
So don't rebel. We have no reason to be afraid of the people who live there. The LORD is on our side, and they won't stand a chance against us!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
New and/or unfamiliar situations can be daunting for anyone. Small children who are entering the kindergarten or pre-school classroom for the first time may stall at the door – or even turn and cling to their mothers. More than once, I’ve had to reassure a mother, “Go ahead… five minutes after you leave he/she will have stopped crying and be fine.” I’ve even pried at least one child from the support post on the covered walkway as he screamed while his tearful mother drove away. Every single child was indeed fine after a few minutes. But stepping into the unknown and out of a comfort zone was huge for them.
In Numbers 13 and 14, Moses and Aaron have sent Caleb and Joshua to scout out the land of Canaan. They returned and reported it was “flowing with milk and honey.” It was also home to some large fortified cities. Caleb admits that there is opposition to a takeover there, but he believes the Israelites can do it. But once the people see the land for themselves, they are not so sure. They rebel and want to turn and go back to Egypt, claiming they would have been better off to die there than step into what they perceive as a death trap. So in essence, they are “clinging to the pole on the covered walkway” – frozen in their tracks with fear.
Now the point is, God had told Moses to investigate the land of Canaan. He had sanctioned this, and Moses was obedient. And when we are obedient – even when it seems like a scary - or even risky - leap of faith, God paves the way and protects us. So when your friends want you to go do things with them you know you shouldn’t, don’t fear being ridiculed. Trust God to protect you. When your boss is asking you to lie or do something dishonest or illegal at work, don’t fear losing your job… trust God to make sure that you will always have one – even if it means relocating. When someone invites you to church or a new Bible study, and you don’t want to go because “I won’t know anyone there,” step out in faith that God will help you get acquainted, if He is leading you to attend.
The key to success in this is to always consult God about everything. Don’t take a new job, accept a marriage proposal, have a baby, or move to a new city without talking to Him about it first. But also don’t join a Bible study, serve on a committee, or even run for Class President without consulting God. Make sure you have talked to God about every decision and choice in your life, both the big ones and those that seem insignificant. In all things, ask God where He is leading you… then let go of the pole and move forward.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 21, 2010
May 21 ~ Exodus 20:20
"Don't be afraid!" Moses replied. "God has come only to test you, so that by obeying him you won't sin."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was little, I spent a lot of time in the storm cellar. My maternal grandmother had witnessed the aftermath of some killer tornadoes in Heber Springs when she was a child, and she was greatly afraid of storms. We didn’t have “Five Live Dopplar Radar” and “Storm-trackers” when I was a child, so when the clouds darkened, we headed for cover! And to this day, I have a healthy respect – and a somewhat unhealthy fear – of storms and potential tornadoes. But one summer night, while visiting relatives at a farm down the road from my paternal grandparents’, my great-aunt “Babe” stood with me at the creaky screen door that led to the front porch. In the distance, we could see brilliant lightning that illuminated fluffy white clouds with hues of yellow, white and pink. We called it “heat lightning” because it usually was the result of a build-up of daytime heat that brought evening thundershowers.
Nonetheless, my Aunt Babe knelt and wrapped her arms around me and said, “Oh, look… isn’t it pretty?!” She assured me that the lightning would not hurt me… that it was far, far away. We respected the power of lightning… but we were in awe of the beauty of these colorful flashes. This is how I like to think of my relationship with God. I do not fear that he will strike me dead for my sins, like a bolt of lightning – although He surely could. Rather, I am in awe of His power… grace… mercy… love. He didn’t give us laws and rules to punish us… but rather to guide us in our Christian lives. We don’t have to be afraid of God because of our sin… He sent Jesus to free us from that burden and remove our fear. Like my relationship with storms and potential tornadoes… respect for God is healthy… genuine fear is not.
If you are fearful of God today, I suspect you don’t know Him as well as you should. But that’s okay – you can start working this very minute to make a change! Acknowledge that God knows you… warts, sins and all… and He still loves you. Start a dialogue with Him and get to know Him. Explore His majesty – and the depths of His love for you. Humble yourself before Him and show some respect for His power and sovereignty. And love Him - love Him for loving you so well. Don’t be afraid. God’s light is beautiful! “Step up to the screen door” and enjoy it fully!
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Don't be afraid!" Moses replied. "God has come only to test you, so that by obeying him you won't sin."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was little, I spent a lot of time in the storm cellar. My maternal grandmother had witnessed the aftermath of some killer tornadoes in Heber Springs when she was a child, and she was greatly afraid of storms. We didn’t have “Five Live Dopplar Radar” and “Storm-trackers” when I was a child, so when the clouds darkened, we headed for cover! And to this day, I have a healthy respect – and a somewhat unhealthy fear – of storms and potential tornadoes. But one summer night, while visiting relatives at a farm down the road from my paternal grandparents’, my great-aunt “Babe” stood with me at the creaky screen door that led to the front porch. In the distance, we could see brilliant lightning that illuminated fluffy white clouds with hues of yellow, white and pink. We called it “heat lightning” because it usually was the result of a build-up of daytime heat that brought evening thundershowers.
Nonetheless, my Aunt Babe knelt and wrapped her arms around me and said, “Oh, look… isn’t it pretty?!” She assured me that the lightning would not hurt me… that it was far, far away. We respected the power of lightning… but we were in awe of the beauty of these colorful flashes. This is how I like to think of my relationship with God. I do not fear that he will strike me dead for my sins, like a bolt of lightning – although He surely could. Rather, I am in awe of His power… grace… mercy… love. He didn’t give us laws and rules to punish us… but rather to guide us in our Christian lives. We don’t have to be afraid of God because of our sin… He sent Jesus to free us from that burden and remove our fear. Like my relationship with storms and potential tornadoes… respect for God is healthy… genuine fear is not.
If you are fearful of God today, I suspect you don’t know Him as well as you should. But that’s okay – you can start working this very minute to make a change! Acknowledge that God knows you… warts, sins and all… and He still loves you. Start a dialogue with Him and get to know Him. Explore His majesty – and the depths of His love for you. Humble yourself before Him and show some respect for His power and sovereignty. And love Him - love Him for loving you so well. Don’t be afraid. God’s light is beautiful! “Step up to the screen door” and enjoy it fully!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 5, 2010
February 5 ~ Psalms 141
I pray to you, LORD! Please listen when I pray and hurry to help me. Think of my prayer sweet-smelling incense, and think of my lifted hands as an evening sacrifice. Help me to guard my words whenever I say something. Don't let me want to do evil or waste my time doing wrong with wicked people. Don't let me even taste the good things they offer. Let your faithful people correct and punish me. My prayers condemn the deeds of those who do wrong, so don't let me be friends with any of them. Everyone will admit that I was right when their rulers are thrown down a rocky cliff, and their bones lie scattered like broken rocks on top of a grave. You are my LORD and God, and I look to you for safety. Don't let me be harmed. Protect me from the traps of those violent people, and make them fall into their own traps while you help me escape.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We are all about protection. We slather on sunscreen before venturing outside. We buckle up our seatbelt before we leave the driveway or parking lot. We wear sunglasses to block harmful UV rays. We use an oven mitt or a pot holder to lift a hot dish from the stove or oven. We fingerprint our small children and place them in the requisite child safety seats when traveling by car or truck. And these days, we carry a hand sanitizer in our pocket or purse – and some even wear a face mask when out in public – to prevent exposure to harmful viruses.
Given all of this, it seems rather strange that we often fail to pray for the most important protection of our day – God’s! We don’t seem to realize that starting the day by asking God to guide our steps and protect us from saying the wrong thing, spending time with the wrong people, and even being tempted to sin are more important than any SPF factor, seatbelt, or hand sanitizer. We need the Spiritual “mask” and armor of God to really save us each day!
Psalms 141 is a great prayer to pray. If you did nothing but read these words each morning… speaking them from your heart to God… this would be a good starting place. Another trick might be to stop for a second every time that you buckle your seatbelt or wash your hands each day and just say, “Lord, I look to you for my safety today.” Get in the habit of seeking God’s protection. Don’t leave home without it!
©2009 Debbie Robus
I pray to you, LORD! Please listen when I pray and hurry to help me. Think of my prayer sweet-smelling incense, and think of my lifted hands as an evening sacrifice. Help me to guard my words whenever I say something. Don't let me want to do evil or waste my time doing wrong with wicked people. Don't let me even taste the good things they offer. Let your faithful people correct and punish me. My prayers condemn the deeds of those who do wrong, so don't let me be friends with any of them. Everyone will admit that I was right when their rulers are thrown down a rocky cliff, and their bones lie scattered like broken rocks on top of a grave. You are my LORD and God, and I look to you for safety. Don't let me be harmed. Protect me from the traps of those violent people, and make them fall into their own traps while you help me escape.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We are all about protection. We slather on sunscreen before venturing outside. We buckle up our seatbelt before we leave the driveway or parking lot. We wear sunglasses to block harmful UV rays. We use an oven mitt or a pot holder to lift a hot dish from the stove or oven. We fingerprint our small children and place them in the requisite child safety seats when traveling by car or truck. And these days, we carry a hand sanitizer in our pocket or purse – and some even wear a face mask when out in public – to prevent exposure to harmful viruses.
Given all of this, it seems rather strange that we often fail to pray for the most important protection of our day – God’s! We don’t seem to realize that starting the day by asking God to guide our steps and protect us from saying the wrong thing, spending time with the wrong people, and even being tempted to sin are more important than any SPF factor, seatbelt, or hand sanitizer. We need the Spiritual “mask” and armor of God to really save us each day!
Psalms 141 is a great prayer to pray. If you did nothing but read these words each morning… speaking them from your heart to God… this would be a good starting place. Another trick might be to stop for a second every time that you buckle your seatbelt or wash your hands each day and just say, “Lord, I look to you for my safety today.” Get in the habit of seeking God’s protection. Don’t leave home without it!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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