S)"7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you."
Psalm 91:7 (NASB)
O) This is a powerful reminder that God's protection has no limits. It's an amazing promise that He will protect His children. This whole psalm is a tremendous promise to those who are near to the LORD, but this verse, more than any others in the psalm, struck me as particularly... almost severe, in it's imagry. Maybe it's because it's not specific as to why the thousand or ten thousand are falling. It sort of leaves it up to imagination and that can be pretty bad, but it doesn't matter when we are near to God. Of course, like so many promises in the Word, this is not an unconditional promise. If we want God to protect us like this, we must remain close to Him, as it says in verses 1, 2, 4, and 9.
A) I remember highlighting this verse when I was a teenager. I don't remember why it stood out to me at the time, except that maybe I was fascinated with the end-times to some degree. What I failed to realize, in those younger days, is that the context of this verse requires that I am remaining close to the LORD. So, to put this verse into application is really to pursue God, according to all the verses around this verse, in Psalm 91. So with that, I need to do more to foster closeness with Him. Even if it means an actual prayer schedule, which is very uncomfortable to me, it feels stiff and impersonal, somehow. But, I know that even scheduled intimacy is better than intended intimacy. It's clearly not the only reason to create more intimacy with the LORD, but I do want this promise for me and my household.
P) Father, You deserve better than what I give. I want to spend better time with You, but I know that will require more consistent time with You. Speak to me, God, and show me how to regulate this. I know it starts to feel... I don't know, maybe religious... but I need to do more to ensure that I am spending quality time with You, God. Holy Spirit, continue to call me into times of prayer and help me be more responsive. Encourage me and remind me that time spent with You is always worthwhile and it can be intimate and powerful, even when it's regulated. Help me work out a schedule for more consistent time with You. not just so that I'm assured the promise of this verse, but because You want more of me and You deserve it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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