Still Here, Still Protected, Still the Lord’s people…

“so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.”

After I have series of serious busyness and travel and whatever, it’s so good to rest, and especially return to the Word. This day’s Psalms 124, 125, 126. Whenever it speaks of Israel, we too can think of us ourselves as a remnant of Israel, a scattered flock, Gentiles and Jews alike, still being held by God’s Hands. 

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy,…

My friend gave me the identification of a new plant I bought just from the description, a plant which I’ve had before, maybe 30 years ago, succulent like but easy growing, purple and green, he reminded me that it was a “wandering jew” – oh yeah – and my latest greenhouse visit confirmed that, I had bought a plant that I was comfortable with from past experience – and the name wandering jew is fitting for we all wander and wander until we realize that we should WONDER and WONDER at God’s ability and eagerness and proven track record to bring us through our own wilderness ESCAPE. Wandering, like the plant, can be too easy to fall back into. WONDERING has to be our norm. Wandering jew plants need watering, WONDERING people ARE watered.. 

Ancient Jews/Israelites had attacks by external enemies and downtimes caused by their internal folly, the Psalms were songs to remind them that God got them thru,  gets them thru, will get them thru. We have to read these Psalms in future tense too – past, current and future. 

Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Springtime is a great reminder for Rebirth and rework and rewards. I often wonder how amazing I am still here, counting blessings in the present, that I got past the painful aspects of the past gratefully, and that I am thankfully looking forward to the future. In all God was both present and preparing me for my journeys, and keeping me STILL HERE. Wherever we are, let us remember we are ALWAYS in Your Love 

THANKS LORD!

LESS WANDERING, MORE WONDERING!

AMEN

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Psalm 124

If the Lord had not been on our side— let Israel say— if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away.

Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

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Psalm 125

A song of ascents.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.

Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers.

Peace be on Israel.

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Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

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After sending this to a friend, she sent me a link to a song (I had never heard) – so perfect for this devotion – “I Wonder as I Wander” – which her mom used to sing to her – it was a sweet memory for her – I am so glad the Lord does that -connect on many levels that are not of our doing – the Lord does that and He IS a wonder – a marvelous wonder…. here is the song link with lyrics: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=iJO6nH7fL2A