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Daily Reflections

Psalm 91:5 “You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day”

27/3/2020

1 Comment

 
Picture
We imagine that whatever we are fearful of, its power increase tenfold at night. On the night of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit us around midnight two years ago, there was an unusually big full-moon. It gave great comfort by its light as we assembled outside, frozen in shock. At least we were able to see that our house was still standing, but not well enough to assess the damage. When the power returned, a small solitary light came on in the linen cupboard upstairs, and somehow it gave us reassurance that, eventually, all would be well.

It is in the dark places that we are more inclined to reach out for help. Sharing a fox-hole while on sentry duty at night is only made bearable by the presence of another person assigned to share the same space. Equally though, the jitters of one transfers easily to the other. I have experienced this myself on an army exercise when I was just 19, and even though our “enemy” were equipped only with blank ammunition, it was scary enough to know that they were coming our way. In the dark.

This verse of scripture gives us just one directive: fear not. These are words repeated many times in both the old and new testaments, from the mouths of angels and even Jesus himself. (Luke 12:32) Many saints have gone before us who have found the courage to hold their ground in dark situations. Even as insults and false accusations have flown like arrows in broad daylight, there has been great comfort drawn from the reassurance of this scripture. We need not run and hide if we know that Jesus has us covered already. The confidence that we once had in ourselves is quickly set aside when we find the one sharing our “fox-hole” is our greatest ally and loyal friend. In him alone can we be confident.

Barry Struthers

1 Comment
Sarah Braunstein
27/3/2020 09:15:05 pm

I really enjoyed reading this it was quite deep and challenging well written and had great connection between the verse and life experience. Interesting thought about God being our protector even in the darkness and dark times in our life. I love this psalm yet I often gloss over it and don't always stop and take the time to breathe and break down the meaning of the verses in bite size pieces. Everyone needs a reminder that their heavenly father will keep them safe from harm. We must be like little children with child like faith believing our father will catch us if we fall and trust him to receive us with open arms.

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P: 03 578 3909     E: info@nativity.org.nz     A: 76 Alfred St, Blenheim 7201
  • Home
  • House Church Resources
  • About
    • Faith
    • What We Believe
    • History
    • Meet Our Team
    • Service Times 2022
    • Calendar
    • Ministries >
      • Children and Youth >
        • Preschool >
          • First Steps
          • Tunes 4 Tots
        • Primary
        • Intermediates
        • Youth
      • Families
      • Small Groups (Care Cells)
      • Women
      • Men
      • Senior Adults >
        • Care
      • Prayer
      • Missions
    • Our Governance >
      • Vestry FAQS
      • Diocesan Synod
    • Contact Us
  • How We Help
    • Repair Cafe
    • Healing Horticulture
    • Baptisms
    • Weddings
    • The Marriage Course >
      • FAQ - Marriage course
    • Funerals
    • Counselling >
      • Bereavement Care
      • Personal Counselling
    • Facilities Hire
    • Blue Door
  • Giving
    • Serving
    • Financial
  • Sermons
  • News
    • News and Events
    • Prayer Wall
    • Building Project
    • Vicar's News
    • Bishop's Apology
    • Health & Safety