Thoughts for the Day

Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for war, and
my fingers for battle;
my rock, and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues the peoples under me.

O Lord, what are human beings that
you regard them,
or mortals that you think of them?
They are like a breath:
their days are like a passing shadow.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, from New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Are you an umbrella person or a raincoat person? If you live in the US, Africa, or Australia this question might seem a little odd, but in Britain it's an important question. Parts of our country get a lot of rain!

I would also suggest that the answer to this question depends on where you live. Someone used to towns will bring out the umbrella at the first sign of inclement weather. Whereas living where I do, near the sea, an umbrella is the last thing needed - the wind would blow it inside out in a moment. Locals make sure they have a water-proof jacket with a hood!

Our psalm today looks at another kind of protection. Centuries ago in Palestine, with Assyrians, Babylonians, never mind local tribes, all waiting to take over your land and defeat you, something different was needed. The psalmist had no doubt that ultimately it was God who protected him from his enemies.

The question is: Who protects you from danger today, besides the emergency services?

Saturday 21st November, follow up thoughts

Lord God,
we pray for all those
who protect us:
for the emergency services,
and for our friends and family.
We also thank You
for Your love and support,
and ask your blessing
and protection this day.
Amen.