Even in times of peace we need shelter and protection. There is the cold and heat that make life miserable. There are diseases that make us want something to keep them away from us. And surely in times of war, bomb shelters today are urgently needed.
In Psalm 61:3-4 David speaks of troubles that call for help when he writes: "For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of Thy wings. Selah."
Plainly past experiences have made it sure in David's mind that he is going to escape all that which would harm him in the future. And he reveals a firm conviction that he will reach heavenly glory. Believing it was God Who protected him in the past, he is sure of absolute protection in the future. Looking back he is sure of what is ahead of him.
That is also true for us. We should never look forward without looking back at what God did in His Son long ago, and at what was written in His word before we were born. The whole history of His church from creation to the day of Pentecost reveals what we can expect in the remaining years of our lives and of this present creation. What God has done for His church also reveals what we are going to find, namely, that all is well; we are going to have refuge and safety, so that we can sing with confidence:
In Thee my soul hath shelter found
And Thou hast been from foes around
The tower to which I flee,
Within Thy house I will abide;
My refuge sure, whate'er betide,
Thy sheltering wings shall be.
What comfort is there not in those words! God's faithfulness in the past assures us that the almighty, unchangeable God will take good care of us. When what lies ahead seems to threaten you, look back at what He did already for you. His Son He built as a high tower, a sure shelter for us. Even as He raised His Son, our exalted King, He will bring us there into His house, and is preparing our place.
Read: Daniel 6
Psalter versification: 159:2
(Words and Music of the Psalter)
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
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Song for Meditation: Psalter number 237
Why not sing along??
Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Jeremiah 10 ; Jeremiah 11:1-23
Colossians 3:18-35 ; Colossians 4:1-18
Psalm 78:56-72
Proverbs 24:28-29
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Quote for Reflection:
There is a joy which is not given to the ungodly, but to those who love Thee for Thine own sake, whose joy Thou Thyself art. And this is the happy life, to rejoice to Thee, of Thee, for Thee; this it is, and there is no other. —The Confessions of St. Augustine (354-430)
