Sheltering in Peace

 

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!

You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;

You shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;

your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you from Zion!

May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!

May you see your children's children!

Peace be upon Israel!  —Psalms 128:1-7

 

This is a picture of a “functional” family, sheltering in place, gathered in peace, sharing God’s blessings around the table and facetiming the grandkids (seeing their “children’s children.”)

 

There are number of things we can do to stay safe these days. Social distancing, personal protective gear, hand washing and other prophylactic measures are necessary precautions for us. But none of these actions can, of themselves, free us from our deepest anxiety. Our only sure protection from fear is the “fear of the Lord.”

 

The “fear of the Lord,” is not craven fear, but worship, devotion, glad adoration and a desire to do God’s will. This is our safety and our peace.

 

Under His wings I am safely abiding.
Tho' the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me.
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever. —William Cushing 

David Roper

4.8.20