The Psalmist David, often gives the Lord his praise and worship because of the ways God has delivered him. Psalm 23.4 says,
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” In Psalm 32.7, he proclaims, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble.”
Years ago in another town I received a call from a lady from church to pray for her family. Her two teen-age grandsons, were visiting at her house. It was after the fu- neral service for her husband– the boys’ grandfather. They had discovered their grandfathers gun, and one of the boys picked it up. Not realizing that the gun was load- ed, one boy accidentally shot his brother in the neck. For- tunately there was no great tragedy in this case, for there was only a “flesh wound.” As the grandmother expressed it, “It could have been so much worse.”
I wonder how often we fail to realize the times of our lives when “it could have been so much worse.” I wonder how often during each day we are oblivious to the times when God spares us from tragedy? We may barely miss being side-swiped by another car, or be suddenly awakened from our day-dreaming by the screeching of tires from a nearby car. Or perhaps your child falls and hits his head, and after the crying and hugging, and kiss- ing of that child we conclude, “it’s only a little bump.”
Have you been spared from that great tragedy? Have you seen God’s protecting hand? There have been so many times in my life when it could have been so much worse. When my son ran the van into that old maple tree, and ended up with only a small bump on his head. The van was totaled, the tree hardly affected…and he was ok. I could go on and on about the many times God protected.
Today as we go through our activities, let us be more attentive to
the hand of the Lord. Let us not be negligent of his protection, and his
care. Instead of mindlessly ignoring Him, and making our own plans, and assuming that life is ours to do as we wish, let us open the eyes of our hearts. Let us take notice of God’s shepherding. James 4, reminds us to say, “If it is the Lord’s will,” I will carry out my plans for today.
An old hymn says, “Savior like a shepherd lead us, be the guardian of our way. Keep Thy flock; from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.” Do you ever look around and no- tice God’s hand at work? Has He protected you today? Has He given you wisdom? Has he blessed you? Pay attention to what the Lord, is doing and you might just discover that you are even more blessed than you thought.
Lord, as we go through our days, may we be aware of Your leading, and protection. Teach us to make our plans in accord with Your will. Please be our shepherd, and guide. And most of all, thank You for the may times You have spared us from injury, or harm even though we were totally unaware. Amen.
Blessings, Pastor Mark