By Protus Seda
Psalms 10-13 reflect David’s lamentation during a period he felt he was left alone and deserted by God amidst the triumph of the wicked. He perceived that God had stood far from him and had turned his face away.
“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalms 10:1). Do we often feel the same way sometimes?
In the journey of the people of Israel from captivity in Egypt to the promised land, God never turned his face away. The people did!
The stubborn people (then, and today) often turned away from God and left the fold, they left the shelter of the most high – they left the place of “ rest in the shadow of the Almighty“. They left the place of refuge, they left the fortress (Ps. 91). God never left.
My sisters and brothers, even when we leave his place of rest, God will never abandon us. He will be with us till the end of time…. He promised this since time immemorial. In Isaiah 41:10, God promises never to forsake us. He encourages us never to be afraid. God promised Joshua that, just like he never left Moses, he will walk with him throughout his journey (Joshua 1:5).
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus upholds the promises of God when he affirmed God’s faithful nature; Jesus says “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – so, the Holy Spirit is here with us. Always.
My brothers and sisters, God’s faithfulness endures forever, his love endures forever (see last week’s commentary by Fr. Godfrey). Even when you “pass through the waters, he will be with you, and when we pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2).
This is the God we serve. We just need to turn our face to God and fully surrender our whole being to God, amidst the chaos and the brokenness and pains of this world. We need to cast our burdens on him and rest is his presence.
Let us pray; Merciful and gracious God, I sometimes turn away from your place of rest. I know you have always walked with me and that’s why I have made it so far. You are my Ebenezer, the God who was, is and is to come. I pray that this week, you meet me at my point of need, whatever struggles that I face, I know you are always there. This Monday, this week, I cast my burdens into the hands that shed blood on the cross for my sins, the blood of Jesus Christ. Look upon me with favour oh Lord, my family, friends and those that are dear to me. Amen.
Have a blessed Monday and week ahead brethren. May the Lord’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
