GRACE FOR THE WAY

Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

As earthly pilgrims we are in dire need of the light of the sun. Without the light, we would be groping in the dark and cold would also overtake us. As pilgrims, a shield to ward off dangerous enemies is also imperative. Without it, we are at the mercy of would-be assassins.

A sun for light and warmth; a shield for protection; such is the Lord for the pilgrim on their journey to New Jerusalem. Our way through the world is spiritually dark, cold and unfriendly. We need the ‘sun’ of God to show us the way and to keep us warm. We need God’s shield of protection to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16), to protect us against the “adversary the devil” who “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1Pe 5:8)

Is the way hard, long and strenuous? Do we grow weary in your pilgrimage? In our longing and yearning, do we dream of the day when we will be home in the safe haven of the spiritual home of our soul? Beloved, we must remember the words God gave to the great pilgrim of all times, the apostle Paul, My grace is sufficient for thee;( 2 Corinthians 12:9. The grace He gives us in spite of our failing soul glorifies His Name.

Our pilgrimage to new Jerusalem may require the denying of our soul (Matthew 16:24). It may leave us uncertain of shelter (Matthew 8:20). It may lead us into combat with the ungodly (Hebrews 11:34), and even in mortal danger. But may we always remember the promise He gave to all the pilgrims en route to their Heavenly Home, no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly (Psalms 84:11).

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.