"A Close One"

Dear Lord, for the sacrificing Savior, we most certainly give thanks. But we also wish to express our belated gratitude for the many long-leggedy beasties which never touch or hurt us. For all You have ever done, our gratitude. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

"A Close One"

August 1, 2011

No evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:10-11

There is a Scotch prayer that reads, "From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!"

It is a good, albeit incomplete, prayer. You will notice it does not mention sports utility vehicles.

The prayer would indeed include such an addition if Richard Clemons of Cockrell Hill, Texas, has his way. You see, last week a stolen SUV, piloted by a 14-year-old thief, crashed through the brick wall of Clemons' apartment and ended up in his bedroom. Clemons should have been a goner.

He wasn't. Why? Clemons' nephew was visiting from Mississippi, and the youngster had fallen asleep in the living room recliner. Rather than have the boy wake up alone in a strange location, Clemons decided to sleep on the floor next to the chair.

As Clemons said, "That's what saved my life."

Which is where I have to beg to differ with him. Clemons' life was spared because God's was watching over and preserving him.

It's true. The same Lord who sent His Son to seek and save the lost, who gave His Only-Begotten as a sacrifice for sinful humanity, was keeping an eye on Clemons.

Just like He keeps an eye on you.

Think about it. How many of you have had an SUV crash into your home? Is that because everyone who lives near you is an excellent driver who would never drink and get behind the wheel? Are there no 14-year-old car thieves near you? The fact you have not experienced an SUV joining you in your bed is due to God's protection.

Understand, God's umbrella of defense is good not just against SUVs. It works on hijacked jets, lions escaped from the circus, runaway trains, and trucks transporting dangerous chemicals.

Now if you think my point is a silly one, please know it's not meant to be. God loves you and He loves you dearly. He sees the multitude -- the myriad of tragedies and difficulties that could come your way, which the forces of evil would love to send your way.

But God doesn't let those things get near your door and, according to the Psalmist, He keeps plagues away from your tents.