Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

Psalm 127:1

For Meditation

The trek from the farm to town spanned approximately two miles and usually took about an hour and a half with all the load one had to carry. On this fateful Saturday, she was returning in the heat of the early afternoon, carrying a load of cassava and plantain in a basket. Though tired from the farm work and the exhausting walk, she looked forward to a restful evening. Her daughter was going to do the cooking that day, and that was a blessing. Besides, her crops were doing great, and she could anticipate a good harvest. The sight of our small town was a welcome relief.

The timber truck approached from behind her. She stepped to the side and stood in front of an uncompleted house. It navigated the sharp curve and came to a screeching stop some hundred meters ahead. Strewn behind it were clusters of plantain and cassava (Yuca). Somehow, the trailer of the truck had dislocated and had swerved into the woman. The townsfolks were aghast. Wailing rose from every direction. How could that happen? She was almost home and not in the pathway of the truck.

Incredible stories of this kind do rise from all over the world to amaze and confuse people. They reiterate the uncertainties in this cruel world. The families of victims like this woman’s struggle for answers that are never revealed and will not be until eternity dawns upon us. The question then is, how secure are we out there in the streets? How safe can we be, even in our homes? By our effort? Nothing! Not even tomorrow or the next minute.

Solomon was right. Had it not been for the Lord, we could perish in similar ways anywhere (Ps. 127:1). Our only security in this world lies under the wings of the Almighty God, where the righteous in Christ abide (91:4). He who is sovereign and is always right and just in every way is our only guarantee of protection in this life.

So, if you are alive today, give God the praise He deserves. When you and your loved ones go out and return home safely, lift your hands, and worship Him. Thank Him for His protection and care and give Him all the glory.