Someone to Watch Over Me
In a culture of rolling stones, there is a longing for stability among the most contemporary. Rambling fever notwithstanding, we all want to know that there is a firm foothold somewhere. Problematic is the reality of betrayal and loss of confidence we all feel for people, places and things. Is there anything we can really rely on? Couple discouraging events with the cynicism of age, and the dilemma is daunting, indeed.
We have all had the unfortunate experience of trusting where no trust was warranted. Perhaps, a reality check is due. If God applied the same standards to our fidelity to Him as we do of others’ fidelity to us, where would we be? Sinners sin. That’s what sinners do. There are great and wonderful things to be had in fellowship and communion with human compatriots, but you can only trust (or expect) so much. I’ve wasted a lot of energy on pipe dreams.
Jesus both crushed and confused His disciples by saying things like, “I will not leave or forsake you,” “I’m leaving you, but not really,” and “the Holy Spirit (who?) will minister to you in My absence.” What were they to think? All they had was faith and weak at that. Which is, by the way, all that we have in confusion and consternation. They said they trusted Jesus, now, they had to prove it. Jesus had been their leader and protector. Was He still?
We, of course, understand the truths behind Jesus’ words that confounded His disciples. Our times provide us with an advantage. I only mention their predicament because it chimes with ours. We are so used to being let down by others that we are unsure if we can trust God when the chips are down. God is there, we are sure, but it’s hard not to tremble with fear when the lightning flashes and wince when the thunder rolls.
If the help is not apparent, is it there? Deuteronomy tells us that the everlasting arms are underneath. They are like the roots of trees. Things that are basic to our support are often unseen. Because of this, it’s easy to take them for granted. The childhood rhyme reminds us to be careful in saying, doing and going because “the Father up above is looking down in love.” We need to be careful but content. Someone is watching just out of our sight.
Sterl
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