Friday 30 December 2011

Read Exodus 33:12-17

 

Do not fear or be dismayed; … for the Lord is with you

– 2 Chronicles 20:17

 

When our son Brian was small, I took him with me to pick up our babysitter.  As I approached the house, I noticed that her dog, usually penned in the back garden, was lying by the front door.  At first glance, the dog looked calm.  But to my alarm he sprang to his feet and attacked Brian, who leaped for my leg, climbed up to my waist, and somehow ended up wrapped around my neck and shoulders.

 

I, on the other hand, was left to fend off the dog.  We danced for a while—the dog trying to get in a bite and I a kick—until, to my relief, the owner came around the house and called off the beast.  All of us—dog, boy and I—escaped unscathed.

 

Later, as we were walking to the car, Brian looked up to me and said, “Dad, I’ll go anywhere with you.”  His confidence was misplaced; I can fail him.  But I often think of his words when I grapple with fear.

 

As Moses faced uncertain circumstances, he implored God, “Show me now your way … that I may find grace in Your sight” (Exodus 33:13).  The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you” (v 14).

 

Whenever we enter frightening circumstances, or face furious assaults, we can say with confidence, “Lord, I’ll go anywhere with you”. –David Roper

Anywhere with Jesus I am not alone,

Other friends may fail me—He is still my own;

Though His hand may lead me over dreary ways,

Anywhere with Jesus is a house of praise. –Pounds

 

Prayer:

 

¨ Continue to pray for Patrick’s two sons and their grandmother Rachel who have all suffered serious burns during the attack and were rushed to hospital.