Print this page

Safe at All Times

Contents[Show]

Psalm 121:7,8

    It is understandable that at times we wonder why God sends us this or that affliction. We are not always ready to say with the psalmist in Psalm 119:71, ''It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn Thy statutes."  Aches and pains in our flesh, sorrows and bereavements, losses and ridicule are not pleasant, and we can easily think along the lines of Asaph in Psalm 77:9, "Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath He in anger shut up His tender mercies?''  We do judge what happens to our flesh as evidence of, or look for evidence of God's grace and mercy, in earthly things.

    We do well, therefore, to be reminded of what God Himself declares to us in Psalm 121:7, 8, namely, "The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shalt preserve thy going out, and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Look first, we are here taught, at what God has done for your soul, and let what you find teach you that what He does with your flesh in no way denies that He is preserving you for the glory He promised in Christ.

    Your soul He washed from all of its guilt, through the blood of His Son; and that soul by a rebirth through His Spirit He has renewed. Be assured then that no evil, that is, nothing that can keep you from the heavenly glory which He promised, will in any way and at any time interfere with your advance to heavenly glory.

    Your going out of health and into sickness, your going out of your home and into the hospital, yea, your going out of this life and into death and the grave will in no sense keep you from everlasting blessedness. Be sure that all is well, for you are preserved by the almighty God, whom no one or nothing can prevent from fulfilling His promises.

    Sing it then with enthusiasm and to His praise (PRC Psalter):

    From ev'ry evil shall He keep thy soul,
    From ev'ry sin;
    Jehovah shall preserve thy going out, 
    Thy coming in;
    Above thee watching, 
    He Whom we adore
    Shall keep thee henceforth, 
    Yea, for evermore.

Read: Psalm 119:65-72 
Psalter versification: #347:4

Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism

Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Judges 21:1-25 
Ruth 1:1-22 
John 4:4-42 
Psalm 105:1-15 
Proverbs 14:25

****
Quote for Reflection:

From the front of a Gideon’s Bible: "The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents."

Last modified on 04 May 2019

Additional Info

  • Date: 5-May
Heys, John A.

Rev. John A. Heys was born on March 16, 1910 in Grand Rapids, MI. He was ordained and installed into the ministry at Hope, Walker, MI in 1941.  He later served at Hull, Iowa beginning in 1955.  In 1959 he accepted the call to serve the South Holland, IL Protestant Reformed Church.  He received and accepted the call to Holland, Michigan Protestant Reformed Church in 1967.  He retired from the active ministry in 1980.  He entered into glory on February 16, 1998.