Comfort and security – these are things we all desire. Where can they be found?
A small child lifts their arms to Mummy to be lifted and held. An elderly person in hospital calls for someone to look after them. But it’s not just children and senior citizens. A driver whose car has broken down calls the AA to come and rescue them. What a relief when we see their van approach!
And who doesn’t appreciate getting home and into their favourite chair with a cuppa and perhaps a few kind words from a loved one, maybe even a hug or two!
The writer of ancient pilgrim songs found comfort and security in Jerusalem. Out in the open country they were at the mercy of the elements not to mention enemies or robbers. But in their capital city they felt safe.
It wasn’t just the fortified walls and gates or the guards on the ramparts, it was a roof over their heads, the refreshment of food and fresh water and the sense of being home and belonging. Most of all it was being close to ‘God’s House’ the Temple.
‘How lovely is Your dwelling place O Lord of hosts to me!’ Psalm 84 declares.
Old Testament believers focussed on the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s where they gathered every year for festivals like Passover and Pentecost to celebrate God’s protection and provision in the past and to pray for his ongoing grace and help in the present and future.
‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble’ they would sing with gratitude. (Psalm 46 v 1)
Close to the Saviour God Who had rescued their forefathers from slavery and guided them to this ‘promised land’, they could be quiet and calm no matter what turbulence was raging outside. When everything else seemed to be falling apart and the news was filled with wars and natural disasters, the presence of the Lord gave the greatest reassurance.
It’s not that they didn’t experience natural worry and apprehension as most people do. They just had a conviction that with God in the equation things would somehow work out alright. They would find the strength and resources to carry on. The Bible promises that some day He will bring peace to all nations.
Christians worldwide today don’t need a physical location. We don’t need to do a pilgrimage to Jerusalem or anywhere else for Christ is present everywhere by His Spirit. We are never alone. We need but pray and right where we are is our refuge, our comfort and security, all the strength we’ll ever need.
In times of conflict people like to think God is on our side. We witness the sad irony of opposing sides praying for help to defeat the other! A better question might be – are we on ‘God’s side’?
In His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness. He urges us to not run greedily after material gain but to prioritise living to please and glorify our Maker and Lord. That will include the challenge of loving and forgiving others, even enemies! When we do, He promises all our needs will be met.
We can be confident of His saving, guiding and comforting presence, now and always.
A small child lifts their arms to Mummy to be lifted and held. An elderly person in hospital calls for someone to look after them. But it’s not just children and senior citizens. A driver whose car has broken down calls the AA to come and rescue them. What a relief when we see their van approach!
And who doesn’t appreciate getting home and into their favourite chair with a cuppa and perhaps a few kind words from a loved one, maybe even a hug or two!
The writer of ancient pilgrim songs found comfort and security in Jerusalem. Out in the open country they were at the mercy of the elements not to mention enemies or robbers. But in their capital city they felt safe.
It wasn’t just the fortified walls and gates or the guards on the ramparts, it was a roof over their heads, the refreshment of food and fresh water and the sense of being home and belonging. Most of all it was being close to ‘God’s House’ the Temple.
‘How lovely is Your dwelling place O Lord of hosts to me!’ Psalm 84 declares.
Old Testament believers focussed on the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s where they gathered every year for festivals like Passover and Pentecost to celebrate God’s protection and provision in the past and to pray for his ongoing grace and help in the present and future.
‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble’ they would sing with gratitude. (Psalm 46 v 1)
Close to the Saviour God Who had rescued their forefathers from slavery and guided them to this ‘promised land’, they could be quiet and calm no matter what turbulence was raging outside. When everything else seemed to be falling apart and the news was filled with wars and natural disasters, the presence of the Lord gave the greatest reassurance.
It’s not that they didn’t experience natural worry and apprehension as most people do. They just had a conviction that with God in the equation things would somehow work out alright. They would find the strength and resources to carry on. The Bible promises that some day He will bring peace to all nations.
Christians worldwide today don’t need a physical location. We don’t need to do a pilgrimage to Jerusalem or anywhere else for Christ is present everywhere by His Spirit. We are never alone. We need but pray and right where we are is our refuge, our comfort and security, all the strength we’ll ever need.
In times of conflict people like to think God is on our side. We witness the sad irony of opposing sides praying for help to defeat the other! A better question might be – are we on ‘God’s side’?
In His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness. He urges us to not run greedily after material gain but to prioritise living to please and glorify our Maker and Lord. That will include the challenge of loving and forgiving others, even enemies! When we do, He promises all our needs will be met.
We can be confident of His saving, guiding and comforting presence, now and always.
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