Psalm 86

Many years ago, a couple of my cousins from Wisconsin would come to Illinois to visit. They were about 10 years younger than I and we would have a good time visiting together. When it was bedtime, I would read to them from an English storybook that my Father brought home when he returned after World War II. The book had adorable pudgy-cheeked children and precious elves and even snow fairies!

I married about 10 years later and these two delightful girls were my flower-girls at the wedding. We really did not have much contact through the ensuing decades, other than some Christmas cards, attending the funeral of a beloved Aunt died, and receiving a wedding announcement.

On our trip last summer, we were going through Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin to visit friends and I contacted one of these ladies to see if we could get together for dinner as we journeyed through the state. Plans were made and we did so.

decoration at campsite — **Decoration at campsite in Rivers Edge Campground, Stevens Point, Wisconsin**

She contacted her sister and the next day both of them came to the campground for a visit and then dinner. We had a delightful time.

pool play area at campground — **Pool play area at Rivers Edge Campground, Stevens Point, Wisconsin**

To my astonishment, they asked if I remembered the stories that I read to them years earlier from that old English storybook. When I said that I did, they asked that I tell them two of those stories before they left the campground that evening. I was honored to do so, and we revisited the Pixie who stole a taste of pink ice cream and the Snow Fairy who disobeyed and became stuck on earth. Two adult women remembering life lessons that had been encapsulated in stories told decades earlier in their childhood, and me cherishing the time with them and recalling when the stories calmed them so that they could sleep in a strange house.

This past week we were working with come elementary school children and singing the song “The B-I-B-L-E, yes that’s the Book for me, I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.”

In doing so, the children had fun singing at the top of their lungs, while the adults revisited the time in their childhood when they, too, learned the song. But far more than having fun, the song is imprinting the message on the children’s minds that the Bible is the Word of God and it is something that lasts, you can stand on its teaching because it is from Almighty God. They may not understand all that, but it is in their heads and hearts and someday, when they are older, they will remember its teaching, just like my cousins remembered those comforting stories.

The importance of teaching children the Word of God is a direct command of our God. For example, in speaking of the law and commandments of God as given to Moses, we read:

“You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Deuteronomy 11:19

The Psalmist says the following:

“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.“

Psalm 34:11

No matter our age or station in life, we all can say with King David:

“Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”

Psalm 86:11

Snow fairies and Pixies are not real and the stories are not imbued with the imprint of the Holy Spirit of our God. However, Scripture is, and we have an obligation to our children and grandchildren to teach them what God says in His Word to guide them as they go along life’s pathways.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,“

Hebrews 12:1

This great cloud of witnesses refers to those who have gone before us, who paved the way so that we could know of God and of His Word. So, will your children remember when you read the Bible to them? Will your grandchildren remember that you told them the stories in the Bible? Will your family be able to point to you as a person who assisted them in understanding God’s Word? Are you paving their way through the Scriptures?

Father, teach us to do Your will and to tell the next generation about Your marvelous works in our own lives as well as in the lives of those who have gone before. May I spread Your Word as I live my life in witness to Your love, grace and salvation through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

Cuddles and Snickers love to travel with us, at least when we are not going to the Vet’s office! Then, they are not quite so happy about it.

But, on our recent travels, they enjoyed looking out the windows and, when there were long times between stops, they would fall asleep … something that dogs seem to be able to do with great ease! But, for their safety as well as ours, we could not take the risk of having to move the vehicle quickly with them loose in the cabin, exposing them to falling down the steps, slamming into furniture, etc. Also, we did not want them to be able to get under our feet near the accelerator or the brake pedal. That would have been a recipe for disaster, to be sure!

The solution was a leash and harness attached to the seat belt on the floor. We thought we had the leash short enough so they would not get in the way while we were moving along the highway, but at one point I looked down and saw this. The two of them had wriggled the leash in such a way that they could reach the space between us. Cuddles had her nose on the engine compartment while Snickers had her back touching it.

It was as if they were saying “We just want to be near you. We’ll be asleep, but we can sleep better with you right here!”

I believe they were feeling secure. They didn’t understand that the roadway was going past them beneath their feet, or that the scenery was changing as we were going down the highway, or that towns and cities were passing by them without trouble … they knew they were near us and that is all that mattered to them.

Once again, the canine daughters were teaching me a lesson. Security in our Lord is available each and every moment of our day and then through the night, even when we are sleeping and unaware of anything.

The Psalmist wrote:

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.”

Psalm 5:11

David further recognized the love God has for His people when he wrote:

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.”

Psalm 86:5

Of course, our Lord Jesus talked about rest in Him when He said:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:29

These verses reinforce the concept that we are to rest in Jesus, God is loving and will protect us from harm, that is, we are secure in Him for eternity. I doubt that these concepts were in the dogs’ minds when they were reclining on the floor of the RV. But I do think that they understood that we were there so that they were not frightened, even of all the strange sounds and vibrations that they may have felt. They were secure in our love. They just wanted to be near us.

So, how are we near to our Lord Jesus Christ? We see Him when we read the Scripture. The Bible is all about God and our Lord, from beginning to end. We see Him when we meet together to worship Him. Believers can encourage and enlighten us as we live our lives in Christ. We see Him when we look at His creation. While the creation alone cannot provide saving grace, the fallen creation is still evidence of His power, majesty and glory. Let creation speak to you and raise your voice in worship and thanksgiving to Him. We see Him when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide our thoughts and actions.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

Be still before God. Read your Bible and meditate on its words. Worship and be under the preaching of Bible teachers who live what they preach and who preach about Jesus Christ as seen in scriptures. Fellowship with believers who can encourage and support your growth in Christ. Beloved, be near to Him — He is always near to you!

Be secure and rest in the Lord and be thankful for His sacrificial love.

Father, I thank You for sending Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for my sins. I pray that I would give honor and glory to you through His blood, and that, through faith alone, I would rest in Him for my salvation. Grant me peace and security as I travel the road you have placed before me.