Psalm 36:7 – How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (ESV)
I have a waterproof jacket that I wear to go walking and riding to work. I bought it for my birthday two years ago. It is lightweight and specifically made for the task. Consequently, I thought it rather atypical that, whilst it had two zip pockets for the bits and bobs of life, it had no map pocket — a large pocket for putting a map in to keep it safe, dry, and accessible.
The other day, whilst in the process of unzipping the front of the jacket, I noticed a small hole next to the zip. As is my boyish way, I thrust my finger into the hole and made it worse by pulling at the seam. Imagine my surprise when I realised that the jacket was not faulty. It was a Velcro fastening for the opening to a large map pocket, which was on the left-hand side of the zip!
Recently, I went to a centre for Christian healing, a Friday morning communion service that is held specifically for the task of prayer. The vast majority of the attendees had completed a substantial part of their journey here on earth already. In fact, more than a few, I suspect, were in their last mile. Several I knew to be long-retired ministers.
I asked the question: how are they doing, now that they are becoming frailer and free from their official burden? Straight away, I was reminded of my jacket's map pocket. Along with it came the thought that God cherishes each one and keeps us safe, carried with Him, close to His heart, like being in His map pocket, until that time of relocation to continue in new circumstances, free from the weathering of the frailties of this age. So, no need to worry!
Prayer: Lord, we rejoice that as we believe in You, each and every one of us is special to You. You brood over us like a hen over her chicks. You hold us close to the centre of Your being. Forgive us when we do not remember this truth. Please grant that we may find and recognise Your freedom from strife in our hearts as we continue to travel together, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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