Psalm 68 – Day 1
"Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms." – Psalm 68:19 NLT
What has become an easily recognizable tagline for an insurance company could more readily be said of God. You're in good hands with … God. David reminds us that our God carries us each and every day. He paints the picture of a shepherd carrying a sheep in his arms, protecting it, providing for it, and ensuring that it gets where it needs to go. Our great God carries us. What a picture of intimacy and love, but what a reminder of God's matchless power. In this Psalm, David speaks of God's great power, the same power that freed the Israelites from Egypt, led them to the Promised Land, and conquered the enemies living there. This great, majestic, powerful God is also "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows," who "places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoner free and gives them joy" (Psalm 68:5-6 NLT). He is not a distant deity who reigns from some unseen place and dispenses justice and judgment like some invisible judge. He is with us and for us. From the moment He chose Abram to be the father of the Hebrew nation, God has lived in and among men. Throughout the wilderness wandering years, God traveled with the people of Israel, leading the way, taking the form of a pillar of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night. They always knew He was with them. When He instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness, He came to dwell within the Holy of Holies, a constant reminder of His presence and power. Later, God's presence would fill the Holy of Holies of the new Temple constructed by Solomon. "Now the Lord will live among us there" (Psalm 68:18 NLT). God chose to dwell among men. He made His presence known and displayed His power among them. "God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people" (Psalm 68:35 NLT).
We are in good hands with God. He is powerful, but also gentle. He is majestic, but also intimate. He delivers judgment with a firm hand, but He also metes out justice with tender mercy. He has the power to destroy our enemies, and the compassion to forgive us of our sins. He can reign down judgment, but also deliver rain to restore a dry land. Our God is great, but this great God cares for us. That should blow us away. It should cause us to respond in praise, prayer, gratitude, joy, hope and worship. "Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms" (Psalms 68:19 NLT).
Father, thank You for this much-needed reminder. I am in Your arms, therefore I am safe. You are taking me where I need to go. You are protecting me at all times. You are healing me, holding me and helping me. I have nothing to fear, but much to be grateful for. Amen