“The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand…” (Psalm 121:5)
A little reprieve can make a big difference. When you’re in a time of tiredness, anything that takes the edge off is welcome. Less noise, less light, getting to close your eyes, having what you need within reach so you don’t have to get up – these little things count more when you’re past your energy limit.
Shade is a poetic way of describing a little reprieve.
Imagine a blistering hot day, like the Israelites who originally sang this Psalm might have experienced at times traversing rugged arid terrain on their way to worship at the temple. If there was just one tree offering shade, they’d flock to it as we would. We all feel the pull and appreciate the refreshment of a little respite when we’re getting worn out.
God offers this. He offers us help in huge and significant ways. Like salvation! But He also offers us help in small, ordinary ways. He is the shade at our right hands, giving us a verse that encourages a tired heart. Or a lyric that reminds us we are known and loved. Or the prompting of the Holy Spirit in a friend who remembers to pray for us. Or a neighbor who pulls the trash can in for us, never realizing they were the hands and feet of Christ that day.
In little ways we easily miss, God watches over us and renews us continually.
Are there little things, small provisions, you can thank God for today?
Find the whole series at this link. If you’d like to download a PDF of these devotions, just let me know here and I’ll email it to you! I’ll also post each one on Instagram.