PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 48
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“In the city of our God: God makes her secure forever.” (Psalm 48:8)
The temple in Jerusalem was a symbol, to remind the people God was with them.
This song celebrates the beauty of that symbol, and God’s power in it.
But there is still a difference between the symbol and the real thing.
And sometimes we get distracted by the symbol, and forget the real thing.
When the disciples marvel at the beauty of the temple, Jesus warns them:
“Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2)
The temple became an idol and a den of robbers (Mark 11:17), and was not secure.
How secure are the symbols that are an expression of our faith if the Lord?
The church building, worship music, doing devotions, Lord’s Supper, baptism?
Do we cling to (and fight over) the symbols, and forget what they point to?
Are we still experiencing the reality, or only going through the motions?
The symbols are not secure forever, but what they point to is!
Stop focusing on the symbols, and passing these to the next generation.
Rest in and enjoy God, Jesus and their love, for this makes us secure forever!
PRAYER
Lord, the physical temple is gone, but you live in me and I am your temple. Help me to trust in you, for you are my God for ever and ever, you will be my guide even to the end!
“God makes her secure forever.” I can sit here comfortably focusing on this text while the weather outside is very blustery and wet – a Nova Scotian rainstorm – yet I am secure and dry. Inside I know the HS resides within me – I am secure. Yet I do get anxious at times – what I’ve learned to do is to cast that anxiety to the Lord as well – and He helps me through. I am secure – and when I look back I just stand in awe how he has kept me safe and re-directed my path when it need that! I am secure in the Lord – l am a temple of the Lord through Jesus!
Today is the Lord’s day as is every day.
I need to see His presence, His majesty wherever I am. He is my Guide and Protector. I need to travel always in His presence for He is my Lord and will guide me in the way I need to go.
1 I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
2 Help me tread in the paths of righteousness;
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]
3 I am lost, if you take your hand from me;
I am blind, without Thy Light to see;
Lord, just always let me Thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]