Our Keeper

Have you ever traveled through a dense area where the trees and undergrowth was so dense you hardly knew where you had been and where you were going. Then unexpectedly, the road opened up to an opening dotted with beautiful flowers and soothing and refreshing waters. This describes mine and Mister Bill's favorite resort; the thought of it right now makes me homesick for it. That long winding narrow overgrown trek through the jungle makes me think of how the journey of life. Difficult seasons filled with troubles can leave us dry and longing for an ... oasis - a green area fed by natural flowing waters giving shade and rest to weary travelers. One of my Mom's favorite passages was Psalm 121 where the psalmist declares his help comes from the LORD: "He will not let your foot be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber ... The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand ... The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life ... The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore." (Verses 3-8 ESV). Wherever life's road goes - twisting, turning, curving, ascending, descending - God's children are always in His care and keeping. I find this truth particularly reassuring especially when life is overgrown with hurt, betrayal, and disappointment. God, our Keeper, is never surprised or blind-sided by anything: "Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure." (Psalm 147:5). Yes, our omniscient (all-knowing) God longs to and is fully able to keep us. He is ... our Keeper.