Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

See You Later, Grandpa Sheridan

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John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”

Dear Kids,

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life."Death is a very devastating event. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things we will ever have to go through on this earth. Even Jesus wept while standing at a friend’s graveside. But for the Christian, death is not a time to say, “Goodbye.” Instead it’s a time to say, “See you later.”

Last week we lost a very special person. After months of declining health, Grandpa Sheridan finally succumbed to illness. His body shut down and he breathed his last. We have been processing this loss and are grateful for all the kindness people have shown. While COVID-19 has made it more difficult to enjoy understanding hugs and shared tears, so many have reached out through Facebook, handwritten cards, and phone calls. These all help us as we process the grief.

Grandpa was a wonderful, personable man of whom many have fond memories and touching stories. We will sorely miss him. But I am grateful we do not have to say final goodbyes.

Grandpa knew and believed what Jesus said at the graveside of his friend, Lazarus. “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

Even now Grandpa is very much alive in heaven waiting for us to join him. What a happy day that will be!!

So do not grieve as the world grieves. Our loss is great, but God’s gift is greater. Through Jesus, the true resurrection and the life, we can experience the victory over death. And our sad goodbyes can become comforting “I’ll see you laters.”

We are all thankful to have known and loved a wonderful man – Charles Keith Sheridan. But this is not goodbye. We will meet again. So we’ll see you later, Grandpa Sheridan!

Love,

Mama

Click here to learn more about God’s free gift of life.

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No Bird Soars in a Calm – The Benefit of Trials

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James 1:2-3 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

Dear Kids, 

“No bird soars in a calm.” These words were written by one of Dayton, Ohio’s famous sons, Wilbur Wright. The Wright brothers spent years developing an invention that could fly through the sky. According to Wikipedia, Orville and Wilbur are “credited with inventing, building and flying the world’s first successful motorized airplane.” In order to understand the technology needed to allow their craft to become airborne, Wilbur spent many hours watching and recording information about birds in flight. One of many breakthroughs came when he realized that wind gave the lift needed to allow a bird to soar through the air.

Difficulty Helps Us Grow and Mature

Birds and airplanes are not the only things that need moving air in order to soar. People can also thrive when they are faced with a strong wind. Those who only experience calm in life are apt to become complacent or too comfortable. These have no impetus to learn and grow. But those who experience difficulties and struggle forward through the storm find they soon reach an altitude where they can spread their wings and ride the wind.

James encouraged a group of struggling Christians to find joy in the trials they suffered. He knew that these very trials would test their faith, and through them they would develop perseverance. The strong winds of life would prove their character, strengthen their resolve, and develop maturity. They would find that God could and would sustain them in their times of trouble. This would grow their faith even more causing them to soar above the very difficulties they were enduring.

Velocity Picks Up With Stay At Home Order

These past few weeks we have been facing some strong winds with the progression of the COVID-19 virus. Even this week the velocity picked up as our governor signed a “stay at home” order for Ohio residents. I, like many others, have wondered how we will keep on in the midst of this trial. How will we keep our business going? Will any of our family develop symptoms? When will we be able to join our friends in large groups again? This is a complete disaster . . . or is it?

James tells us we must change our perspective. In faith we should joyfully consider our circumstances an occasion to trust God more. This will develop our perseverance and character. Trying days ahead may be the very opportunity we need to launch into a new realm of growth impossible during unruffled days of normalcy.

No Bird Soars in a Calm

So spread your wings, point your face into the wind, and get ready to fly. Because in the words of Wilbur Wright, “No bird soars in a calm!”

Love,

Mama

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Our Heavenly Crowd of Cheering Witnesses

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Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us . . .”

Dear Kids:

Dad announcing a basketball game to empty bleachers.

This has been a few strange weeks. COVID-19 has been making its way through numerous countries and has finally invaded our neighborhoods. Little by little the regular rhythm of our life has been disrupted as our leaders have sought to protect us.

Playing and Announcing to Empty Bleachers

One of the first changes occurred last week when all fans were banned from sporting events. Upon hearing the news, Dad, who announces the women’s college basketball games at our local university, called the administrator to verify that he would no longer be needed. Much to his surprise he was asked to announce as usual. How strange! The game would be played and announced with the bleachers empty. It must have been very hard for the players to play well without the cheers of friends and family. Not to mention how hard it would be to announce to no one!

It’s always easier to persevere when there are people around encouraging you. Even in life we need support and reassurance.

Surrounded by a Heavenly Crowd of Cheering Witnesses

The writer of Hebrews tells us, “ . . . we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.” There are many who have walked the walk of faith before us. Their lives lend support and testify to us of the importance of continuing on when life gets tough. I can almost hear them even now cheering us to keep on.

Our world has been turned upside down by all we are facing. Our Abigail, a senior in high school, wonders if all the excitement of her final year – the prom, senior trips, and graduation – will be suspended or cancelled. Those with large life events such as weddings and funerals wonder how to move forward. Disappointment and fear can cause a loss of faith. But the crowds from heaven testify, “Don’t give up! God was faithful to us. He has everything under control and will supply all your needs!”

God’s Team is the Winning Team

We are now playing a portion of the game of life in troubling times. The future is uncertain and we can’t see the end. But we are not competing in front of empty bleachers. Heaven is full of faithful fans who have lived through even harder times than these without losing faith. Their lives encourage us to trust God despite our circumstances. So throw off everything that inhibits you, fix your eyes on Jesus, and persevere. And if you listen carefully you might hear the heavenly crowd of cheering witnesses urging you on because they know God’s team is the winning team.

Love,

Mama

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Important Reasons You Should Always Be Prepared

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Matthew 25:1-2 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be compared to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent.”

Always Be Prepared

Reasons Why You Should Always Be Prepared

The baby book picture Dad and I didn’t prepare for – Notice unshaven face (Dad) and messy hairdo (Mom). Learned Lesson: Always Be Prepared!

“Be prepared.” A motto used for more than a century by the Boy Scouts of America applies in many areas of life. When you don’t heed this apropos advice you may find yourself in some interesting quandaries that last a lifetime . . . including your grandchild’s baby book.

We arrived in Boston last October excited to finally see our newest granddaughter. Margaret Anna entered the world in late August, but due to prior commitments Dad and I hadn’t been able to make the trip until two months later. We awoke at the ungodly hour of 3 AM to report to the Columbus airport on time to traverse the check-in lines and board our flight.

Upon our arrival in the Boston area, we were excited, but fully exhausted. We retired early that evening, planning to walk to a nearby café for breakfast the next morning. I awoke feeling lazy and made the conscious decision to forego my usual morning rituals of personal hygiene. “Who cares what I look like? We are with family,” I reasoned to myself. So I threw my hair into a messy ponytail, left the makeup bag undisturbed, and joined the group for our morning rendezvous at the donut shop.

The Unplanned Picture

I was thrilled with the opportunity to carry sweet Margie Anna and waited as John-Keith secured her to my person with the swaddling wrap. She was so cuddly and cute that someone snapped a picture of us before leaving.

I never thought about it again until a few weeks ago when I was admiring my daughter-in-law’s beautiful baby book. Page after page of creative photos and annotations documented Margie Anna’s first six months and proved to be an incredible lifetime treasure. Then I turned the next page and saw the picture. My messy ponytail and au natural face stared back at me as big as life. Who knew when I made my conscious decision to forego my usual prinking that the memory would be preserved for all posterity to see? If only I had adhered to the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared!”

Unprepared Bridesmaids Miss the Party

Jesus told a story about some bridesmaids who also found themselves unprepared. These girls were part of a bridal party waiting for the arrival of the groom. Each carried a lamp to light his way. Around midnight these five girls realized they were almost out of oil. So they asked to borrow some from the others, but there wasn’t enough to go around. So these foolish bridesmaids went to try to buy some more. While they were shopping the bridegroom came. The prepared bridesmaids accompanied the crowd into the celebration, but the unprepared returned too late. They never even got into the pictures because they missed the party altogether.

Jesus told this parable to demonstrate the need to be ready for Christ’s return. Just as the bridesmaids didn’t know the exact hour of the groom’s arrival, neither do we know the time of Christ’s return. We must be prepared and ready in our relationship with God or we will be left behind.

“Be prepared!” This motto has served the Boy Scouts of America well. And it is a maxim we all should live by. If you do, you won’t have to worry about missing the party, being left behind at Christ’s return, or having the perfect baby book photograph to last for a lifetime.

Love,

Mama

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Hopelessly Devoted To You

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Psalm 42:1 “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God.” 

Dear Kids,

Abigail Sheridan as Sandy Dumbrowski singing “Hopelessly Devoted To You”.

I have been completely beside myself with excitement. This week our local high school performed three showings of the iconic musical Grease. The music, the acting, and the dancing dazzled the audiences, and I have find myself bopping around the house and singing the familiar tunes over and over again.

The Ups and Downs of Young Love

The high school version, toned down from the original with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, portrays the ups and downs of young love. From Roger’s mooning over Jan, Doody’s being enamored with Frenchy, Rizzo’s working out a complicated relationship with Kenickie,  to the main love triangle between Patty, Sandy (played by our own sweet Abigail), and Danny, each character desperately desires to be wanted and loved.

One of my favorite scenes occurs after Danny jilts Sandy for Patty. Completely heartbroken, Sandy pours out her grief in the song Hopelessly Devoted. Despite all the hurt Danny has caused her, she continues to hang on tight. Her head tells her to forget him, but her heart says don’t let go. Why? Because, she sings, “I’m hopelessly devoted to you!”

Hopelessly Devoted to You

I couldn’t help wondering as I listened to the heartrending lyrics, to whom am I hopelessly devoted? For whom would I give up everything? My husband? My friends? My children? While my allegiance to these dear ones is incredibly strong, should they be the main focus of my whole life?

David, the writer of Psalm 42, had a different perspective. This man understood passion. He had many romantic relationships as well as children and close friends. But he wrote that his deepest desires lay somewhere else. He longed after his God with his whole being. In the same way a thirsty deer desperately pants for water, David’s heart panted after God. His tears, his difficult experiences, his strained relationships with those who ridiculed him, served only to create an even deeper desire for his Savior and His God.

God’s Everlasting Love Keeps Us Satisfied

David understood that unlike Danny Zuko God doesn’t play games. He knows our thoughts, never misunderstands our intentions, and doesn’t desire us to be someone we are not in order to bestow love. In fact, we are the ones who push His perfect love aside. Yet He still pursues us with passion. His open arms are waiting for us to return. And when we do His goodness and mercy can keep us satisfied all the days of our lives.

Our high school’s musical performances of Grease are now finished. The familiar and upbeat songs of the fifties we have enjoyed for weeks will slowly stop replaying in our minds. But the haunting cry of Sandy Dumbrowski’s song remains. There is only one Person Who can give us the love we deeply desire. In the midst of all the blessings and difficulties of life can you say with David, the Psalmist, “Lord, my soul pants like a deer panting for water . . . I am hopelessly devoted to You!”

Love,

Mama

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Seven Life Lessons I Learned From a One-Year Old

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Proverbs 1:5 “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel . . .”

Dear Kids,

7 Life Lessons I Learned From a One-Year Old

Ruby Mae Sheridan and her new sister, Lilly Anne.

As you grow older life becomes more and more complicated. A prudent man or woman will take to heart wise counsel from those with greater experience. But sometimes it takes a one-year-old to help you push pause and relearn some simple life lessons. When you listen carefully and follow through you’ll find life becomes a little more enjoyable and a lot more satisfying.

It was another busy week – work schedules, meetings, deadlines – all as usual pushed me to the brink of exhaustion and my sanity. Then Ruby stepped into the picture!

Wednesday afternoon, after a nine-month wait, Luke took Brianna to the hospital. One-year old Ruby came to Nana’s house to await the arrival of a new baby sister. And I stepped out of my busy, crazy life and back into time. Déjà vu took over as I relived the days of caring for a toddler. I had forgotten about the uncomplicated moments of small but essential things. Somehow all the busyness of important stuff had sapped my joy. It took a one-year old to slow my whirlwind dash for accomplishment enough to rediscover the wonder and delight of the simple life. In just a few short days I was reminded of several important life lessons.

  1. Live in the moment – stop everything to experience the things you enjoy.

So often I sacrifice small pleasures to the god of accomplishment. The afternoon was waning and dinner needed preparation. But Ruby heard Apache outside barking. She didn’t seem to care that dinner hour was approaching. She wanted to see the “Arf Arf.” So reluctantly I set aside the unchopped vegetables, picked her up, and together we stood at the window watching, barking, and giggling at the silly doggy’s antics. It wasn’t until later I realized the release and joy of putting aside needful tasks to just “be in the moment.” We ate dinner just a little later than planned, but my heart was peaceful and nobody starved.

  1. Eat slowly and dip every nugget into the sauce more than once.

I have a bad habit of eating fast. I never could get the hang of my grandfather’s advice of “32 chews.” Instead I gulp and swallow so I can get on to the next thing. Ruby isn’t like that. Abigail and I took her to a favorite local haunt for lunch on Valentine’s Day. She savored every bite, dipping each chicken finger and French fry into the sauce multiple times. Long after we were finished eating, Ruby was still dipping and enjoying. The slow pace gave more time for talking and observing the other guests around us. What was the big rush anyway?

  1. Sing along even when you can’t keep the tune.

Why do adults become so self-conscious? We don’t ever want to mess up or look silly, so we often shut down. In doing so we lose many opportunities to join in fun. On the way home from lunch, Abigail and I spontaneously started singing songs from last year’s high school musical. Suddenly from the back seat we heard Ruby singing along with us. She had no idea of the words or the tune but she didn’t want to be left out. Her sweet voice brought huge smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts.

  1. Take a nap when you need one.

Our success driven culture rarely sleeps. We think somehow that going to bed late and getting up early will give us more time to achieve big things. Instead there are a lot of tired and grumpy people clawing their way through each day. Wouldn’t it be so much better to do what Ruby does? She goes to bed at a decent hour and then takes a nap when she needs one. If adults did this there would be a whole lot more nice people in the world and we might even accomplish more with our minds clear and rested.

  1. Learn peoples’ names and say them over and over.

Ruby doesn’t say a lot of words yet. She loves to talk, but her vocabulary is limited. That doesn’t stop her. She has learned the names of those she loves and says them over and over. I will never get tired of hearing her say, “Nana.” It makes me feel loved and wanted. All people need this. They want to know they are thought of and significant. As adults we also should learn people’s names and use them over and over.

  1. Laugh a lot. It does the heart good!

Somewhere in the journey to adulthood people often lose their sense of humor. We become so serious and businesslike that we miss laughable moments including the benefits that come from them. Ruby giggles constantly. Belly kisses, funny faces, and silly games all produce chuckles. If only adults could break out into uncontrollable belly laughs more often we would be so much happier and healthier.

  1. Open all the drawers and explore. You never know what you will find.

I have become very predictable. I go to the same restaurants, take the same roads to places I visit, and generally stay in my patterns of daily living. But Ruby showed me the joy of exploration. She opened the drawers in my desk, my hall cabinet, and bathroom and was thrilled with the things she found. And believe it or not, she discovered some things I had forgotten about or thought I had lost. Maybe it would be a good idea for me to break out from my comfort zone and try something new. I might just find joy beyond the borders of my usual routine.

Before I could snap my fingers it was time to take Ruby home. Baby Lilly Anne needed her big sister to teach her all about the world she had just entered. But this Nana had learned a few things too. Life is not all about the hustle and bustle of accomplishment. Sometimes you have to hit pause and slow down. A wise man or woman can look through the eyes of a one-year old and relearn important life lessons. When you do you will discover there is joy and satisfaction in the simple life.

Love,

Mama

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The Power of Heart and Mind Management

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1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

“The main work of a Christian lies in the right management of his heart and mind.” ~Matthew Henry

Dear Kids,

I have discovered that in most areas of life a big part of success depends on good management. Gifted people regularly share worthy contributions to society. While the result of their labors may seem effortless to the unperceptive bystander, it is almost always the crucial behind-the-scenes administration that produces the seamless and gratifying result.

There have been times when people have shared with me their awe at how the auction process works. The general public shows up the day of the event. They observe the auctioneer chanting the bid and the clerk typing the buyer information into the computer. They bid, they pay the cashier for their purchases, and then they go home. It could be natural to think of this process as an easy way to liquidate an entire household of merchandise in one day. But that is hardly the case. The smoothness of the process is the culmination of many days of preparation.

The Christian’s Main Work is Heart and Mind Management

The Christian life is no different. Matthew Henry, a seventeenth and eighteenth century minister and author stated, “The main work of a Christian lies in the right management of his heart and mind.” What a true statement! Our enemy, the devil, capitalizes on our mental and emotional frailties. He knows if he can get us to think the wrong thoughts our attitudes and actions will follow suit. He particularly uses this strategy when we are going through difficult circumstances.

This is why Peter tells us we must prepare our minds for action. By managing our thought life we will be equipped for the onslaught of lies Satan will throw at us on a regular basis. Knowing God’s word well, believing God’s promises, and putting the truth into action will cause our lives to bring glory to the Father despite the troubles and trials this life will inevitably bring.

This does not mean we will never have uncomfortable or raw emotions. When an experience is hard we may very well feel angry, afraid, or discouraged. A plethora of feelings will likely bombard our minds. But it is what we do behind the scenes with these feelings that makes the difference.

Keep Control of What is Happening in Your Heart

Keep sober-minded or in control of what is happening in your heart. Admit the truth of how you feel instead of suppressing it. Express your thoughts to God in prayer. Allow Him to challenge any natural responses that would be harmful or incorrect. As you allow Him into the deepest part of your soul He will effect the changes needed to help, heal, and restore your broken parts. His perfect grace brings hope through the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we grow in grace, the watching world will look at us, God’s children, in a similar way auction goers observe the auction process. They will see and be blessed by the visible outcome God has produced in our lives. To them it may seem unbelievable. But the truth is that powerful behind-the-scenes heart and mind management makes all the difference. As we prepare our minds for action, keep sober-minded in spirit, and fix our hope on Christ, our responses to difficult circumstances are sure to bring glory to God.

Love,

Mama

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Intimate Knowledge: The Precursor to Trust in God

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Psalm 21:7 “For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.”

Who do you trust the most? Trust in God.

Who do you trust the most with the details of your life?

 

Dear Kids,

Who do you trust the most with the details of your life? Likely it is someone you know intimately who has proven himself or herself to be trustworthy. As we spend time developing relationships with people we quickly discover whom we can count on and whom we must hold at arms length. The greater the knowledge of the dependable friend the more likely we are to trust them.

Those Who are Trustworthy are Good Friends

There have been times in my life when I’ve shared a secret with someone only to find out they leaked the information without my consent. As you can well guess, I never shared any other personal information with that individual again. On the other hand, those who prove their trustworthiness have become my closest friends and confidants. These I feel confident would stand by me through thick and thin.

David, the king of Israel, wrote that he could trust in God. Because of that confident faith he knew he would never be shaken. Over the years David had come to know God intimately through many life experiences. God had always been with him and had always been faithful.

God protected young David when he was a lowly shepherd taking care of his father’s sheep. With mighty strength and incredible precision he slew wild animals threatening the flock with only a sling and a stone. These frightening and lonely experiences in the fields developed a deepening reliance and trust in his God.

David’s Increasing Knowledge Built Trust in God

David’s increasing knowledge of God’s faithfulness bolstered his confidence to challenge a giant enemy despite his older brothers sneers and jibes. God approved of his faith and this young warrior toppled the boastful Goliath with one stone from his sling.

Years later David clung to God’s promise that he would be king even when forced to live in caves to protect himself from the angry and jealous King Saul. God continued to protect him, teach him, and prepare him for the throne during those difficult years. Finally, in keeping with His promise, God, at the appropriate time when David was ready, placed the crown on his head.

All of these experiences revealed to David God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness despite adversity. We, like David, will also experience difficulties in life. Our ability to face each situation with confidence and peace will depend on how well we know our Lord.

A Deep Relationship with God is Crucial for Faith

David spent much time seeking God while out in the fields of Judea. He carried this habit with him throughout his life. When the difficulties came he personally knew God’s character and could therefore trust Him to deal lovingly and faithfully in all circumstances.

How well do you know the Lord? Your relationship with Him is crucial to your life of faith. We run to those we love and trust when life gets hard. The Lord is the perfect comforter, encourager, and confidant in times of trouble. He will be your most reliable friend. And, like David, the more you know Him the more you will trust Him and in His lovingkindness you will not be shaken.

Love,

Mama

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Obedience – The Building Blocks of a Good Day

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Ephesians 4:2-3 “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (NLT)

Dear Kids,

I am always amazed how God uses His word to examine my heart. It never fails. When a particular Bible verse catches my attention, God allows circumstances to test my obedience. Am I a mere hearer of the word or a doer also? My heart attitude and choice to obey usually determine whether or not I have a good day.

Heavenly Minded Meditations must Lead to Obedience

The other morning my reading was in Ephesians. The words of grace felt soothing and comfortable in the early morning hours. I thought about how the world would look if everyone were humble and gentle and overlooked each other’s faults. Who doesn’t want to live in a state of unruffled peace where everyone is forgiving and understanding?

My heavenly-minded meditations carried me through the next hour as I prepared to go to work.

It was going to be a good day!

But then I walked through the office door.

The phones started ringing before I had even reached my desk. And my sprint to answer culminated in the first of many robocalls. “Don’t hang up the phone . . .” the computer generated voice commanded.

I slammed the receiver down in disgust. “What a waste of energy for nothing,” I mumbled under my breath!

Obedience Takes Effort

The day continued with a string of annoying interruptions and frustrating interactions. By noon my ethereal sense of peace had all but evaporated and I was left with only a bad attitude and little patience. But somewhere in the back of my mind God’s message of peace kept niggling at my thoughts. “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit . . .”

Make every effort was something I had to do and it wasn’t going to be easy. People can be annoying. Circumstances are sometimes frustrating and hard. Always be humble and gentle meant always – not just when life was stress-free or clients were congenial.

God Uses His Word and Daily Experiences to Reveal Shortcomings

Little by little it dawned on me that God was using His word and this less-than-perfect day to reveal my personal shortcomings. And He was giving me the opportunity to grow by responding appropriately to difficult people and challenging circumstances.

Perfectly peaceful days rarely happen on this sinful earth. But we can choose to react in obedience to God’s word.

Humble and gentle responses . . .patience despite the faults of others . . . determined effort to keep the peace . . .

These were what God was calling me to. Would I pass the test or not?

A Positive Heart Attitude and Obedience Make a Difference

The telephone rang again. I paused before answering. I said a short prayer and determined that no matter who was on the other end – a pleasant salesperson, an irate client, or even an annoying telemarketer – I would respond with grace.

Because a positive heart attitude and obedience to the word make a difference. They please God . . . and they are the real building blocks of a good day!

Love,
Mama

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Where to Find a Never Failing Sense of Security

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Psalm 20:7 “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.”

Dear Kids,

Where to find a never failing sense of security.

Emily and our Tennessee Walking horse, Sonny!

Where do you go to find safety and security? Many of us turn to friends, parents, or counselors, for comfort and wisdom in times of distress. Others rely on their bank account or their connections with rich or important people to create a sense of confidence or procure help in time of need. God has given us all of these blessings for companionship, love, and support during difficult times, but sometimes we forget that our greatest source of help and protection comes from God Himself.

Some Think Military Status Ensures Safety

In ancient times kings measured the strength of their armies by the number of their horses and chariots. The more they had, the safer they felt. Today nations are no different. The status of the military often determines the perceived security a country feels. During the 1980s when I was a young teenager I remember that our nation participated in an arms race with the Soviet Union. Presidents have emphasized the importance and necessity of a strong military and weapon system to keep ahead of other countries. By staying on top our government believed they could much better ensure the safety of our country and citizens.

A strong military is important, but even the strongest can’t protect against surprise assaults such as occurred on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked. No one knew this atrocity was coming and the people of the United States suffered huge losses in lives, businesses, buildings, and normalcy. Our sense of safety crumbled with the debris from the twin towers as they collapsed onto the New York City streets.

God is Our Constant Source of Help and Security

David, the writer of Psalm 20 was a powerful king. He had many enemies and participated in numerous wars. But this godly monarch recognized that the number of generals, horses, chariots and weapons he had could never be his source of security. His boast was only in the name of the Lord, His God. God delivered him from the fearsome giant, Goliath, when he carried only a sling and a stone. God protected him from the life-threatening schemes of jealous King Saul. And God would be David’s constant source of help and security throughout his whole life.

On what do you rely for safety and security? Is it your family, your finances, your country’s military, or your own ingenuity? None of these are failsafe. Like King David we must recognize that our boast should not be in all the people and earthly support systems we have at our disposal. Do not boast in horses or chariots. Instead boast of the security found in the name of the Lord, your God.

Love,

Mama

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