Deuteronomy 33:12

“The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long, and dwells between his shoulders”

Psalm 37:7

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourselves over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices”

Context:

Our passage from Deuteronomy comes from Moses’ blessing of the tribes of Israel before his own death (which in itself is a type of rest). Moses is described as “the man of God” (as in Psalm 90). Unlike Jacob’s blessing of his sons which had an order to it, the blessing of Moses has no discernible order (for example, Joseph is counted but not Simeon). Deut 33:12 is addressed to the tribe of Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest son born to Rachel. The tribe was known for their skills in archery, sling-throwing, left-handed fighting, yet verse 13 describes how it is the LORD who is their true shield: “For his shields him all day long.” The beautiful portrait of the youngest son perched on the LORD’s shoulders evokes a playful rest and security in knowing he is beloved.

Psalm 37 is a meditation in a particular context: The psalmist is fretting because of evil men (Ps 37:1). The prosperity of the wicked, though it may feel interminable, is from God’s perspective only temporary. Eventually God will bring them to judgment and the just into blessing.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. What areas of your life reveal your skills or strengths (similar perhaps to the Benjamites’ skills recorded in 1 Chronicles 12:2)?
  2. Have you relied on your human abilities rather than trusting in the LORD’s all-sufficient power and design for your life? How? When? Why?
  3. Do you envisage God as an angry grandfather or as a beloved Father? Are you attempting to prove yourself to Him?
  4. What relationships or aspects of your life at the moment cause you anxiety?
  5. What does it mean for you be patient before the Lord with regard to areas of anxiety?

Prayer Pointers:

  • Name the gifts the Lord has given you and thank him for each one
  • Ask forgiveness from the Lord for relying on your natural abilities rather than trusting the Lord
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to grant you peace in the midst of storms and uncertainties