“and keep you”; Numbers 6:24
How much is your outside world affecting your inner world? The problem today is that most of us live from the outside in - Our inner state is dictated to and determined by what is happening on the outside. In today’s world that is a total nightmare as everyday we are bombarded by negative news in the media. But there is also another more subtle message at play in our lives if we are not careful. Our increasing reliance on social media as a way to connect and interact can try and fill that need for longing and acceptance that should only be found in the Lord. We are a generation, and are raising a generation that is conditioned by LIKES. We are looking for the majority opinion before we make our decisions. If we allow this to consume our thinking the result will be that we stop looking to the word and who Jesus says we are and we allow the fluctuating opinions of others to shape how we see ourselves. It happens everyday without us realising.
Are the likes to your posts bringing you happiness? Beware that’s shaky ground to build upon.
In today’s verse we are reminded of the Lord’s hand of protection on our lives and we understand that the word repeatedly reminds us of how he will keep us safe. He will watch over us and He will protect us from danger, disease and everything that could harm us physically. For the words in today’s verse have the sense of guarding or watching over someone. It means to preserve. For Israel, this would have had a very practical application as they were surrounded by enemies, and God had promised to protect them as long as they were faithful to Him. For you and me, under grace and in the finished work the protection of the Lord is ours today because Jesus was faithful. But the Lord ‘keeping us’ means more than just our physical safety. You see, the Lord understands that we have a deep need to feel psychologically safe. He created us with a need to be loved and accepted. Not only do our bodies need to be protected from danger but our hearts too! How many of us as parents would stand back and allow our kids to suffer verbal abuse from others or games of manipulation or control. We understand that these can be just as damaging as a physical attack.
To understand more fully his heart towards us, consider these tender words from Psalm 91:4, ‘He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge’. The Lord gives us pictures so that we can paint a clear image in our minds that will encourage us when we feel afraid or overwhelmed. No matter what is going on on the outside we can experience his peace and experience his love. Today the Lord wants you to know that He will keep you. He will be attentive to every part of your life. He will keep your reputation, when others speak against you. He will guard your mind when negative thoughts attack you, He will surround you with his love and call you beloved when you feel alone. Don’t look for the world’s acceptance which focus on what you do and how you look.
Remind yourself today that you are chosen and accepted by the King of all kings. He will protect your heart, He will bring you the security that you need. You belong to him and because of that you matter and your life is of great significance!
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Unshakeable Hope Series – Exchange Church Belfast 2021