“God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me?” Psalm 118.6
Turning to God will bring one sure thing, trouble! I can essentially guarantee that people will attack your self-esteem, life will seemingly go south, and problems appear from beyond sight. My life affirms this premises, yet there is a difference worth noting.
God never says life here is easy. His sympathy and mercy transcend into the extraordinary. God does say that life will be difficult and evil will assault while He pays attention to the minute details of your life. God goes on to promise that he will carry you on “wings of eagles” and lift you up to the high peaks. Where is the sense in all this? Where is the logic? Can on have lots of turmoil, trouble, and hassles yet still sit in God’s caring?
The long and winded answer is yes, YES!
God gives each the ultimate freedom of choice. We can turn towards God or away from God in each decision we make. We can hurt each other or nurture our wounds and souls. We can choose, anything, anytime, and anyway. God promises all that, for a time, he will not intervene. God may, on occasion act on top of us, but never in spite of us. We get to choose!
God promises each that he will always be by their side. God states unequivocally that He accepts us just as we are all the time knowing what we have and will continue to do. God promises gifts of mercy, acceptance, and love to everyone. We can see these gifts as we turn towards Him. There is one added bonus; the gifts come with a peace that buffers us from the day to day hassles and provides the energy, courage, and hope to move forward! The Psalmist understood in his heart that God was on his side (and ours).
Life is about living in the present. God is on our side and I am not afraid! Who would dare touch us?
