Now and Forevermore

November 11

(Psalms 121:1-8 NIV) “A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? {2} My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. {3} He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; {4} indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. {5} The Lord watches over you-- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; {6} the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. {7} The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; {8} the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

(Psalms 23:1-6 NIV) “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. {2} He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, {3} he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. {4} Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. {5} You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. {6} Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

(John 10:11-18 NIV) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. {12} The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. {13} The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. {14} I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- {15} just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

We have a God who helps and protects. The Lord cares for us, and like a good shepherd, watches over us. When we follow Him and walk in His way, He keeps us from harm’s way. He scatters the wolves that would plunder His flock. He strengthens us in the presence of enemies. He leads us to places where we can be fed. He provides shade from the blistering sun of sin. He keeps us on the good way and leads us to where the water gives life. Even when we face the end of life here, we needn’t fear. The Good Shepherd will lead us through to the other side. He goes before us and lights our way through even the shadows of death. He will not abandon us. His faithfulness endures. As we ascend to the altar of God, let us remember where our help comes from. Let us praise the Lord, who watches over us both now and forevermore. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day