Psalm 119:73-80
Psalm 121:6
Jeremiah 1:11-19 (NRSV) Protection from God
The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” The word of the Lord came to me a second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, tilted away from the north.”
Then the Lord said to me: “Out of the north disaster shall break out on all the inhabitants of the land. For now I am calling all the tribes of the kingdoms of the north, says the Lord, and they shall come, and all of them shall set their thrones at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, against all its surrounding walls and against all the cities of Judah. And I will utter my judgments against them for all their wickedness in forsaking me; they have made offerings to other gods and worshiped the works of their own hands. But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.”
Devotion
In Psalm 119:73-80 the Psalmist gives assurance not only that the Lord is our creator, but also that the Lord is not finished with us and continues to mold us. Ask of the Lord through faith and we may gain humility and the comfort of God’s unfailing love and mercy. The arrogant may seem a social enemy, but the Lord’s teachings acquired throughout life protect us. No need to argue with the arrogant. That wastes our time.
When I think of the sun and moon I more often think of benevolent objects in the sky. The sun provides energy for life, and the moon casts reassuring light over darkness. In Psalm 121:6 however, the sun and moon stand in for dangerous objects or foes, and our God will protect us from great threats or harm. We are free to focus on what is important and there is no need for spinning wheels and chasing fears.
Again in Jeremiah 1:11-19, we learn of protection provided by God. In this case a dialogue with God reveals an imminent invasion from the north. For most people this would lead to much scrambling around and many discussions about preparation. God has instead stepped in to assure Jeremiah that the words will be provided and that there is adequate fortification. Perhaps we would do well to learn not to run in circles at every hint of bad news. God protects us; we may focus on what is necessary and trust that the rest will be provided.
Prayer
Lord, I pray for your presence to calm us and sustain us when life seems too busy and hectic or even just a bit boring. May we feel your presence and protection when lifepresents us with challenging situations. Help us to freely share your wisdom whether it is found through the people in our lives, from ancient texts, or from contemporary writing.In gratitude, Amen.
Vivian Attermeyer