The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Genesis 15:1.

Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones. Psalm 127:1-2.

And continuing our 351 Old Testament prophecies, God’s promises, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, we come to number 17: The Seed of Judah. Genesis 49:10: The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. And, Luke 3:33: …the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah…

When we go about our day forgetting God, something essential and needed is missing and days turn to months to years to a lifetime spent bearing life our way. But as we turn to Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit, we find help, a Friend to company with us. God is so unlike our own thoughts or the constant noise of this world. Have you noticed the ever increasing mad rush of commercials and the absurdity of all they are selling, making promises they cannot deliver? Background noise distracting us from our lives frantically striving away from the peace only God can bring. And my own thoughts? Criticizing, judgmental, boastful, sad, confused. Every morning. Like commercials given free space in my head. And the voice of God? Gentle. Helpful. Honest without condemning. Loving. Kind. He brings to remembrance things I haven’t thought of in many decades but that remind me He is and always has been with me. Wonderful reminders! We have history! All of my life is history we have shared. He sees us. I can honestly say He knows me better than I know myself and for that I am profoundly grateful. And the amazing thing is that the words God spoke to Abram so long ago are the promised blessing we receive as we turn to God – Do not be afraid. I am your shield, your very great reward! Be with Him today. Share all that confuses and all that uplifts because in doing so, you and God build memories together – a shield and a very great reward!