Friday, June 25, 2021

Reflection - Number Our Days - Dangerous Crossings

Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 12, "Dangerous Crossings", Page 63.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.


Life is mighty chancy (risky) at any kind of trade.
PHOTO: Life is mighty chancy (risky) at any kind of trade.
- Rudyard Kipling

I don't wade swift streams any more, even when the best fishing lies on the other side of the river. The rocks are too slippery, the currents are too strong, my balance is too uncertain, and my old legs aren't what they used to be.

I take this as a parable for my life: So many challenges I once took on readily are now too challenging for me. Like the psalmist, I lose sleep at night wondering how I can negotiate them. (Psalm 77:1-4)

But then I remember the deeds of the Lord. He led His "people like a flock." Like a good shepherd He brought all Israel safely through the Red Sea to the other side. His "path led through the sea, [His] way through the mighty waters." (Psalm 77:19-20) No one was left behind, no one was abandoned, no one was swept away. God surged through the Red Sea as I would wade a tiny brook.

All of us face difficult and dangerous crossings in our lifetime - a transition to a new place or position, a decision to abandon a sinful practice and make a new beginning, a choice to walk a way we would rather not go, a call to venture ourselves in untried service, a retirement that takes us from prominence to a lower profile, or our final crossing through the river "bitter and cold." Yet we need not fear the dark currents, for God does not fear them. His strength and courage are infinite. He will see us through.

The psalmist observes, with some wonderment, that God leaves no footprints as He accompanies us. Just as the sand in the bottom of a stream hides our footprints as soon as they are imprinted, so God's presence, as real as our own, is hidden from us. He is with us, "walking incognito (camouflaged)," as C. S. Lewis said, and thus we may not realize He is present. But, Lewis continues, "the incognito is not hard to penetrate. The real labor is to remember, to attend. In fact, to come awake. Still more, to remain awake," to make ourselves think about His presence, to remind ourselves that He is at our side.

Furthermore, though we cannot see God's footprints in our crossings, He is incarnate in human agents that we can see. At the Red Sea He led Israel "by the hand of Moses and Aaron." Think back to how He has led you - in the wise counsel of a mother, in the strong grip of a father, in the urgings of godly brother or sister, in the quiet encouragement of a caring spouse, in the gentle touch of a child.

How many hands have reached out to us - guiding us, encouraging us, strengthening us? In them we perceive the hand of our Lord leading us through deep and dangerous waters to the other side.

Hard crossings are inevitable, but our Lord has promised: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." (Isaiah 43:2)

I came to the swift, raging river,
And the roar held the echo of fear;
"Oh, Lord, give me wings to fly over,
If You are, as You promised, quite near,"
But He said, "Trust the grace I am giving,
All-pervasive (into everything), sufficient for you.
Take My hand - we will face it together,
But My plan is not over but through."
- Lee Webber
Picture posted by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey on 04 June 2021
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https://ychef.files.bbci.co.uk/1600x900/p09kgyln.webp
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210603-why-wild-swimming-is-britains-new-craze


Life is mighty chancy (risky) at any kind of trade.
- Rudyard Kipling

I don't wade swift streams any more, even when the best fishing lies on the other side of the river. The rocks are too slippery, the currents are too strong, my balance is too uncertain, and my old legs aren't what they used to be.


I don't wade swift streams any more, even when the best fishing lies on the other side of the river.
PHOTO: I don't wade swift streams any more, even when the best fishing lies on the other side of the river. The rocks are too slippery, the currents are too strong, my balance is too uncertain, and my old legs aren't what they used to be.
Photo by Richard Kotch/Caters News
Picture posted by Jamie Smith on 08 August 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-YX08vFi1PsigklzpgHaDXC4au6s2KmiVwrJTtTgnW71k0EVtaJ-XkRrVSJdjKz9xa-rZ2Uqik1kWITuNX7rmpTdKQpIzIUPSiHr3DyTetnbF0Xhclvm27YEvY0-e_NLhYxeixPt_hY/s768/8_CATERS-DUCK_DIVE_09-768x512.jpg
https://www.storytrender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/8_CATERS-DUCK_DIVE_09-768x512.jpg
https://www.storytrender.com/21738/ends-swimming-sunset-female-surfers-duck-dive-crystal-clear-ocean/


I take this as a parable for my life: So many challenges I once took on readily are now too challenging for me. Like the psalmist, I lose sleep at night wondering how I can negotiate them. (Psalm 77:1-4) [62]


I take this as a parable for my life
PHOTO: I take this as a parable for my life: So many challenges I once took on readily are now too challenging for me. Like the psalmist, I lose sleep at night wondering how I can negotiate them. (Psalm 77:1-4) 
Picture posted by AlexandraVBach on 20 January 2014 - Despair
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https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/a95f700d-7c3f-408c-bf99-a7b699381613/d72xv0a-0bb78570-0ec2-4c34-8f3e-b6d50b8fc6ed.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2E5NWY3MDBkLTdjM2YtNDA4Yy1iZjk5LWE3YjY5OTM4MTYxM1wvZDcyeHYwYS0wYmI3ODU3MC0wZWMyLTRjMzQtOGYzZS1iNmQ1MGI4ZmM2ZWQuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.5jVADmRTFmDSeYY5o_gTY12VQXxXmXCuV90vOtossCo
https://www.deviantart.com/alexandravbach/art/Despair-428202298


But then I remember the deeds of the Lord. He led His "people like a flock." Like a good shepherd He brought all Israel safely through the Red Sea to the other side. His "path led through the sea, [His] way through the mighty waters." (Psalm 77:19-20) [63] No one was left behind, no one was abandoned, no one was swept away. God surged through the Red Sea as I would wade a tiny brook.


But then I remember the deeds of the Lord.
PHOTO: But then I remember the deeds of the Lord. He led His "people like a flock." Like a good shepherd He brought all Israel safely through the Red Sea to the other side. His "path led through the sea, [His] way through the mighty waters." (Psalm 77:19-20) No one was left behind, no one was abandoned, no one was swept away.
Picture posted by cameronjmayer on 07 May 2021
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcmhaJQ1YRkCmvSU00khx924LLTaoao5_mIKaG1BiOIv8nFYxWJAgQsiYudlvGHUdCJpMccuKPRgOMBC2_MuKWo6EjbEt1kjcoq9zSctSXbxOqVS62WQ-DYv0FPruzMOfKKtANfg_8Z4/s1920/moses_parting_red_sea_barrett.jpeg
https://assets.ldscdn.org/e5/e9/e5e942889175c2662f097ff983324f7d1d0d83481135966/moses_parting_red_sea_barrett.jpeg
https://causeofzion.home.blog/2021/05/07/spiritual-rebirth-part-1-born-of-water/


All of us face difficult and dangerous crossings in our lifetime - a transition to a new place or position, a decision to abandon a sinful practice and make a new beginning, a choice to walk a way we would rather not go, a call to venture ourselves in untried service, a retirement that takes us from prominence to a lower profile, or our final crossing through the river "bitter and cold." Yet we need not fear the dark currents, for God does not fear them. His strength and courage are infinite. He will see us through.


All of us face difficult and dangerous crossings in our lifetime
PHOTO: All of us face difficult and dangerous crossings in our lifetime - a transition to a new place or position, a decision to abandon a sinful practice and make a new beginning, a choice to walk a way we would rather not go, a call to venture ourselves in untried service, a retirement that takes us from prominence to a lower profile, or our final crossing through the river "bitter and cold." Yet we need not fear the dark currents, for God does not fear them. His strength and courage are infinite. He will see us through.
Picture posted by pic2.me
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https://pic2.me/wallpaper/29500.html


The psalmist observes, with some wonderment, that God leaves no footprints as He accompanies us. Just as the sand in the bottom of a stream hides our footprints as soon as they are imprinted, so God's presence, as real as our own, is hidden from us. He is with us, "walking incognito (camouflaged)," as C. S. Lewis said, and thus we may not realize He is present. But, Lewis continues, "the incognito is not hard to penetrate. The real labor is to remember, to attend. In fact, to come awake. Still more, to remain awake," [64] to make ourselves think about His presence, to remind ourselves that He is at our side.


The psalmist observes, with some wonderment, that God leaves no footprints as He accompanies us.
PHOTO: The psalmist observes, with some wonderment, that God leaves no footprints as He accompanies us. Just as the sand in the bottom of a stream hides our footprints as soon as they are imprinted, so God's presence, as real as our own, is hidden from us. He is with us, "walking incognito (camouflaged)," as C. S. Lewis said, and thus we may not realize He is present.
Picture posted by Bible Love Notes
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ue2AaVIUzpr_AgWWehhGx8If6BcNW0B-qKnOS1tkBv1zugTtvf3enE4HflbausL2kh4UknpPnDBan2CmzPZJU6SDjktX4MG93lQgECvyGtG_owMDKQxtunRiCJ07vtAjPadDJR5poOw/s1600/What+a+Night%2521+2.jpg
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https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2015/06/he-was-so-distressed-he-couldnt-sleep.html


Furthermore, though we cannot see God's footprints in our crossings, He is incarnate in human agents that we can see. At the Red Sea He led Israel "by the hand of Moses and Aaron." Think back to how He has led you - in the wise counsel of a mother, in the strong grip of a father, in the urgings of godly brother or sister, in the quiet encouragement of a caring spouse, in the gentle touch of a child.


Though we cannot see God's footprints in our crossings, He is incarnate in human agents that we can see.
PHOTO: Though we cannot see God's footprints in our crossings, He is incarnate in human agents that we can see. At the Red Sea He led Israel "by the hand of Moses and Aaron." Think back to how He has led you - in the wise counsel of a mother, in the strong grip of a father, in the urgings of godly brother or sister, in the quiet encouragement of a caring spouse, in the gentle touch of a child.
Picture posted by Amazon
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https://www.amazon.in/Ten-Commandments-2013-Dvd-Edizione/dp/B00AC7PJ4I


How many hands have reached out to us - guiding us, encouraging us, strengthening us? In them we perceive the hand of our Lord leading us through deep and dangerous waters to the other side.

Hard crossings are inevitable, but our Lord has promised: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." (Isaiah 43:2) [65]


Hard crossings are inevitable
PHOTO: Hard crossings are inevitable, but our Lord has promised: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." (Isaiah 43:2)
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I came to the swift, raging river,
And the roar held the echo of fear;
"Oh, Lord, give me wings to fly over,
If You are, as You promised, quite near,"
But He said, "Trust the grace I am giving,
All-pervasive (into everything), sufficient for you.
Take My hand - we will face it together,
But My plan is not over but through."
- Lee Webber


I came to the swift, raging river,
PHOTO: I came to the swift, raging river,
And the roar held the echo of fear;
"Oh, Lord, give me wings to fly over,
If You are, as You promised, quite near,"
But He said, "Trust the grace I am giving,
All-pervasive (into everything), sufficient for you.
Take My hand - we will face it together,
But My plan is not over but through."
- Lee Webber
Picture posted by iStock
Dear LordPHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn a parable for our life. As we grow older there are so many challenges we once took on readily are now too challenging for us.

All of us face difficult and dangerous crossings in our lifetime - a transition to a new place or position, a decision to abandon a sinful practice and make a new beginning, a choice to walk a way we would rather not go, a call to venture ourselves in untried service, a retirement that takes us from prominence to a lower profile, or our final crossing through the river ‘bitter and cold.’

Lord, we pray that we need not fear the dark currents, for God does not fear them. His strength and courage are infinite. He will see us through.

Help us to remember that God leaves no footprints as He accompanies us. Just as the sand in the bottom of a stream hides our footprints as soon as they are imprinted, so God's presence, as real as our own, is hidden from us. He is with us. Help us remain awake, to make ourselves think about His presence, to remind ourselves that He is at our side.

Lord, though we cannot see God's footprints in our crossings, may He incarnate in human agents that we can see. Help us to think back to how He has led us - in the wise counsel of a mother, in the strong grip of a father, in the urgings of godly brother or sister, in the quiet encouragement of a caring spouse, in the gentle touch of a child.

The many hands that have reached out to us - guiding us, encouraging us, strengthening us. May we perceive in them the hand of our Lord leading us through deep and dangerous waters to the other side.

Lord, though hard crossings are inevitable, You has promised that: ‘When we pass through the waters, You will be with us; and when we pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over us.’

Lord, may we trust the grace You are giving which is all-pervasive, and sufficient for us. Allow us to take Your hand and go through the river, safely and successfully.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
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Reflection - Number Our Days - Dangerous Crossings
Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 12, "Dangerous Crossings", Page 63.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.


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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

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"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


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'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
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"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Copyright © 2008 by David Roper, ISBN 978-981-11-7184-0, Chapter 12, "Dangerous Crossings", Page 63-66.

[62] See Psalm 77:1-4.

[63] See Psalm 77:19-20 here and for the rest of the Scripture references in this chapter.

[64] C. S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm Chiefly on Prayer, chapter 14.

[65] Isaiah 43:2


Links


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