Awake

Building One Another - Vol. 12, No.16
Dear Friend, When my son and I were in Japan a few years ago we saw a Shinto Shrine for the worship of what its followers believe to be the spirits of nature and of past heroes. In front of the shrine was a rope, maybe three inches thick, that went from eye level up to a bell mounted on the ceiling overhead. We asked our guide what the rope and bell were for. He said the Shinto belief was that you had to ring the bell to “wake the god” – to “wake the spirit.” It so happened that at the time my son and I were working on memorizing Psalm 121, which begins: “I lift up my eyes to the hills - from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:1-4* Our God is always alert, never sleeps, never needs a bell to awaken to our lives and our needs! Whatever is going on in your life at this very moment our Lord is closer to you than your next breath, fully aware of all that concerns you. As another Psalm puts it, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 Seek him and trust in his love!
With joy - E. Stanley Ott Copyright 2013 E. Stanley Ott *Scripture from the NRSV
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