January 6, 2016
Ringing
Reminders
Though
he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. — Psalm 37:24
Read:
Psalm
37:21-31
The clock tower at Westminster, which contains
the bell known as Big Ben, is an iconic landmark in London, England. It is
traditionally thought that the melody of the tower chimes was taken from the
tune of “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” from Handel’s Messiah. Words were
eventually added and put on display in the clock room:
Lord, through this
hour be Thou our guide;
So by Thy power no
foot shall slide.
These words allude to
Psalm 37: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail
of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds
them by the hand” (vv. 23-24 nlt). Notice how intimately involved God is in His
children’s experience: “He delights in every detail of their lives” (v. 23
nlt). Verse 31 adds, “The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do
not slip.”
How extraordinary! The
Creator of the universe not only upholds us and helps us but He also cares
deeply about every moment we live. No wonder the apostle Peter was able to
confidently invite us to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for
you” (1 Peter 5:7). As the assurance of His care rings in our hearts, we find
courage to face whatever comes our way.
Loving Father, thank You that every part of my
life matters to You. Encourage me in my struggles so that I might walk in a way
that reflects Your great love and honors Your great name.
No one is more secure than the one who is held in God’s hand.
INSIGHT:
The words of hope, protection, and promise in
the Psalms are not simply “big picture” hopes and dreams; they relate to
everyday life. David confirms this in today’s psalm. He claims that he himself
is a witness to God’s protection. Notice the words of verse 25. The blessing of
the Lord is not just spiritual and future; David says it is here and now and he
has seen it. Throughout his life, David had witnessed the reality of the Lord's
blessing on the lives of the righteous.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2016