He Will Carry His People

Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, there were a couple of pieces of artwork that were ubiquitous in the homes of Christian families; The Serenity Prayer- cross stitched was best! and a copy of Footprints in the Sand- ours was a greeting card that my Mom framed. I’m reminded of that card anytime we go to Florida because my daughter and husband love to reenact the poem on the beach. As I read Psalm 28 and came to the end of the passage, in my mind, I could see Michael carrying Madeline across the beach.

In Psalm 28 David is in some sort of grave danger. He pleads with God to hear his cries, and juxtaposes how the Lord should respond to him with how He will certainly respond to the wicked. David is humble, hands outstretched, confessing his dependence on God- his rock- and crying out for mercy and help. For the wicked it is not so, neither their hearts nor hands are outstretched to Him. They plot evil against their neighbor, and do not regard the Lord or the works of His hands. Those, David says, the Lord will tear down.

As David continues his song, his spirit is renewed and his heart exults! He knows the Lord is His strength and shield, his defender and helper. God will certainly hear him because He is all of these and more to His people.

God does not turn a deaf ear to our cries. It may at times seem He is silent or far off, but He is near.

Psalm 145:18- “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

Psalm 34:18- “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Even more, He is the strength of His people corporately and He will bless His heritage. Just as He preserved a remnant in Israel, He will preserve His church. The Footprints in the Sand poem told us that when we were strong, God walked with us, and in times we were falling apart, He carried us. It might make for sentimental artwork, but it’s not the picture David paints here. Like a shepherd, God will carry his people. Forever.

Church, we aren’t walking across a figurative beach side by side with Jesus, until things get rough. Historically, things have been and are always going to be difficult for the church. We have a real enemy- yes, as individuals, but also as a collective body. Satan wants to destroy the church, and he is wreaking havoc. We see evidence of it every single day. Yet, we, His bride, are held safe in the arms of our Savior in the midst of the battle. The church is never truly in danger of being lost or destroyed. Christ will have His prize, and we will be carried all the way home by the Father. May we look to Him alone as our saving refuge.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ppl3bFaWQ3o

-Natalie Runyon