Now Playing: Are we dwelling in safety?
Topic: Protection
When the weather rears its head as it has in many parts of the East and Midwest this week, one of the first thoughts we have is of our safety and of that of our loved ones. While our physical safety is of great importance, how much more is that of our spiritual safety. The scriptures give us some good thoughts to consider.
"Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety" (Leviticus 25:18). In the book of Deuteronomy we read, "(v.12) And of Benjamin he said, 'The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.' (v.13) And of Joseph he said, 'Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath, (v.14) And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon, (v.15) And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills, (v.16) And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren'." (Deuteronomy 33:12-16)
We also read in the book of Job, "(v.16) Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: (v.17) And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday: thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. (v.18) And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. (v.19) Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee" (Job 11:16-19). Also, "(v.22) He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no man is sure of life. (v.23) Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth; yet His eyes are upon their ways" (Job 24:22-23).
David has recorded in the Psalms, "(v.3) But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto Him. (v.4) Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. (v.5) Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. (v.6) There be many that say, 'Who will shew us any good?' LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. (v.7) Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. (v.8) I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:3-8).
We are also encouraged, (v.11) "The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations. (v.12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance. (v.13) The LORD looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men. (v.14) From the place of His habitation He looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. (v.15) He fashioneth their hearts alike; He considereth all their works. (v.16) There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. (v.17) An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. (v.18) Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy;" (Psalm 33:11-18).
Solomon has instructed us in the book of Proverbs, "(v.10) When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. (v.11) By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. (v.12) He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. (v.13) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (v.14)Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:10-14)
Later on in the same chapter we find, "(v.30) There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. (v.31) The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD (Proverbs 11:30-31)." Near the end of the book of Proverbs we read, "(v.3) Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: (v.4) And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (v.5) A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. (v.6) For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 24:3-6). May we find safety in casting each trouble and circumstance on the Lord and seeking His wise guidance and counselor to help us through each day!
Work in progress...
Posted by dondegr8
at 5:49 PM EST
Updated: Tuesday, January 27, 2004 6:26 PM EST