Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4 ESV
This verse was in my morning devotional, and it touched me because it is one I struggle with. Yes, I believe God is watching, but there are nights when I still lie awake, wrestling with things I wish would change, worrying about the next day, or just having random thoughts racing through my mind. At those times, one of the most comforting things is remembering that there are others who God has put in my life to come alongside me in weakness. Yes, God watches, but he also sends widows to feed prophets, little boys to share their lunch with hungry multitudes, and spiritual mothers who stand by us when we are on the cross. God watches us, God’s love connects us and He will see us all through till the morning He wakes us to come sit by His side forever!
My little verse is far from being a classic ballad like that of Chaucer’s friendly rooster, Chanticleer. Neither will I lay claim to Coleridge’s vivid imagery in his Rime of the Ancient Mariner, or even Bobby Gentry’s Ode to Billy Joel! But I do hope that with Sister Robin’s happy tale, you will start to smile, hum a little tune and start off your week with Jesus on your mind!
Sister Robin had no worries As she few off from her nest She just trusted her Creator Would provide as He knows best
Then, while her chicks were sleeping She went searching for their need Till returning home at lunchtime Their wide-open mouths to feed
So, we must wait for Jesus Who has off to Heaven flown Where He our pardon purchased At our Holy Father’s throne
For now in Christ we’re resting With our hope built on His grace As we wait with hearts wide-open Till we meet Him face to face!
Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26 NLT
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
While, knowing about and even praying the words of this verse over the years, my actual practice has sometimes been the exact opposite. Though on the outside, I was able to pretend I was not worried, instead my life operated more as if the Bible said:
“Worry about everything, don’t pray about your problems or be grateful to God for the things that have gone right. Instead waste all your time complaining, when you don’t understand what is going on.”
Years ago, our car broke down on the highway outside of Boston on a Friday afternoon. Before cell phones, our only hope was for a police officer to stop and call for help. I had no idea what was wrong with our car, so I paced up and down as traffic whizzed by, complaining loudly to my wife. Patiently Nancy kept calmly saying, “God is going to work this out.” I wanted to believe it, but it felt like I had a pot boiling on the inside. Finally, a patrol car stopped and called for a tow truck which came and hooked up to our car. The muffler on that truck sounded like a jet taking off and our driver cursed loudly and often at the other drivers as he weaved through traffic. Fifteen minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot of a large repair facility and my wife suddenly smiled and said, “Look! We’ve definitely come to the right place!”
“What do you mean?” I asked as our car was being unhooked.
“See the sign!” Nancy said pointing. That was when I looked up and saw that just underneath the name of the garage were the words, “Smile God loves you!”
Our car was repaired in under two hours, the owner even bought us dinner and we arrived at our destination, just a little later than we had expected. All that was great, but even better was how God showed me His peace in ways I could never understand. Now when I find myself broken down on the side of the road, God reminds me of that time and how He will still guard my heart and mind, even while I am getting towed through traffic!
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