The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
Psalm 121:5 NLT
His head glanced back and forth as the people shuffled by, one hustling traveler after another. His restless feet jostled. The boy was ready and waiting.
The lull came. The crowd of luggage and feet disappeared. The wide walkway cleared just long enough.
His arms raised. The “ball” zipped across the wide expanse. But it missed its target – a trash can far on the other side of the airport terminal walkway.
Dashing after his prized paper wad, feet shuffling with the athleticism of a young basketball player, his hand whisked the make-shift ball from it’s location on the floor back into his possession once again.
A missed shot didn’t stop him. The energetic youngster tried again and again, often dodging folks and nearly tripping over a few in an effort to make a basket. It brought a chuckle to my husband and me.
Most airline travelers were clueless of the back and forth, bidding-his-time game. They unknowingly became defensive obstacles on the boy’s court. My husband and I were delighted to have court side seats, soaking in pure joy as we watched both defensive and offensive moves unfold before us.
I imagine God soaking in similar joy, but in heavenly magnitude, as he watches over us.
His children.
His eyes placed on us.
We certainly held a smile as we watched the youngster, especially as he dodged in and out among travelers. (The near misses, although they birthed a few winces, were the best!) I imagine God, sans winces, smiling too as he looks upon you.
Sometimes however, it’s hard to know God is watching, let alone smiling. We wonder if he’s even there.
The fog of uncertainly seems too thick. The pace of the race seems too brisk. The struggle of the breath labors too hard.
“God, where are you?”
Here.
Right here.
He is our shade. Our protection. He has eyes on you and me and is watching near. PS 121:5 is clear.
If you’re at the end of your rope, young mom, hang on. God sees, He is near. Put on the praise, the worship music too. It’s okay if you can’t do it all, He only wants you. So ask for help, or say no here and there. Bask in his presence.
God is standing near. Click To Tweet
Maybe it’s news that you’d certainly not choose. Send back that doctor report. End the hospital stay. Make the bad news simply go away. Yes, I’d love that too. But in the midst of the thunder, the rumbles of blue, remember he’s near.
God loves you. Click To Tweet
It’s easy to hibernate or go our own way when life pounds hard. (My hand is raised. I often go inward.) But the One who is our protection, our shade, is here.
The One who sees and watches us with delight is near.
But what if turning inward is actually turning away? What if it’s stepping outside God’s protective shade? After all, the shadow of a tree does have an end. Its shade goes only so far. Our choices might very well take us beyond his line of shade, his circle of protection.
What if turning inward is actually turning away? PS 121:5 shows the way. God is our protection & shade. Click To Tweet
So what do we do if we’re faced with life’s load, with a paper wad we’d rather not have?
Remember that God is right beside us.
Here are a few thoughts for action as you sit in certainty that God is watching…
* Reach Out or Allow Another to Reach You
Maybe it’s the gift of babysitting, housecleaning, a meal, or simply an ear…the new mom or elderly person down the street will likely find joy as you reach out to them. Likewise, allow others to bless you with their outreach. Don’t be so strong, so “able”. Allow the help of others to be a blessing.
* Put on Praise & Prayer
In the midst of the heavy, turn outward in praise. Focus eyes on God and others by praying for them, then pray for yourself or the situation.
* Find Thankfulness
Sometimes we have to look to find anything to be thankful for in a situation, but with God, there is always room for thanksgiving. Start a list, add a few, even add just one or two.
* Confess
Declare the truth. God, you watch over me. You stand beside me and I am protected.
Confess your need (for prayer, action, a listening ear) to a friend.
Go outward and enjoy God’s protective shade, my friend. He’s watching.
God is near, an ever present help in times of trouble, joy and always! Thank you for the reminder! Stopping by from Reflect. I would love for you to share this on the link up
An ever-present help….yes! You are a blessing, Jann.
Kristi, I love this post! “So what do we do if we’re faced with life’s load, with a paper wad we’d rather not have?
Remember that God is right beside us.” So true. Instead of turning inward – be reminded of the shade and protection that He provides. <3 I love the thoughts for action here too – great reminders!
Isn’t it true? He’s faithfully right there.
Put on praise and prayer – I love that, Kristi and it’s amazing how much it can shift our perspective when we take our eyes of the inward us and shift them up to amazing Him. Thanks for the encouragement to keep our eyes on the ball! #testimonytuesday
A change in perspective changes everything. I’m with you, Tiffany.
Kristi, I love this … the picture of God smiling as He watches us … always near. But it’s the thoughts for action that really bring it home … thankfulness, praise, confession, reaching out (being His hands and feet). Thank you, Kristi, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
Did you get the warm and fuzzies concerning that God smile? I did. We’re on the same wavelength, my friend.
Hello Kristi!
I was drawn to your post by the title on the link up.(Intentional Tuesday) I am so thrilled I had the opportunity to read it! I really needed it today. The picture you draw of God watching over is is both comforting and confirming for me today. Sometimes I think we all need that gentle reminder! Thank you again for sharing. I would love to drop by your site again. I am now a subscriber! God bless
Horace, praise God. Golly, He’s right beside and knows what we need. His faithfulness astounds me…I think it will even more so when Heaven is home. Come by anytime, Horace. The welcome mat is out.
So true! I love the mental image you paint for us of God our Father watching over us. It’s a good reminder we are all children — meant to play and find joy in this life! Although I’m laughing a little, because if that was my son doing that at the airport I probably would have crabbed at him to stop! Lol
Jenni, I would have done the same if it were my child. But to watch him was a HOOT! It makes me reconsider parenting. 😉 I still don’t know how the youngster didn’t trip anyone up with the way he wove (or is it weaved?!) in and out of “traffic”.
Beautiful! I love this reminder that even when we are so caught up in our own days and activities and plans, God is lovingly and gently watching (with the occasional laugh and/or wince, of course). Such a cute story!
He’s that anchor for every day. Thanks for visiting, Lauren.
How very comforting and encouraging. He is always there. 🙂
I agree with you, Lux. Knowing he’s there makes it all better.
Amen, Amen, Amen…and another Amen.
Yes, amen & amen. 🙂
Oh how I need to remember how near God really is! Why do we insist on turning inward when He longs to draw us closer to Him? Thank you for reminding us today the simple truth that GOD IS NEAR. Blessings to you, friend:)