Lifeguard
by Gemma Gardner
You may remember me writing in a previous seed about what happened to me when I left our local swimming pool in the pouring rain, and how I fell into a muddy puddle. I enjoy my weekly swim at our local swimming baths. It just takes a five-minute bus ride and then a five-minute walk to get there.
Last Monday, I packed up my rucksack and set off as usual, but when I arrived, the manager greeted me, saying, “Hello, Gemma. I have bad news.”
“What’s that,” I asked.
“The session has been cancelled.”
“Oh dear!” I exclaimed. “Why?” I asked, feeling a bit sad.
“It’s because there’s no lifeguard available. I really tried to find someone, but couldn’t get anybody.” He explained. So, disappointed, I walked back down the road and caught the bus home.
It’s good that it’s the law of the land that a lifeguard has to be present at any public pool to make sure that people are safe. He or she sits on a high stool overlooking the pool, and they have to be prepared to jump in and come to the rescue as soon as they see anyone in trouble.
But, as the scripture for today says, those who have put their trust in the Lord have another lifeguard, who never takes His eyes off them. It’s so comforting to know that the Lord is constantly watching over us and protecting us. But in another sense, there’s a challenge for us to keep close to Him, so that we’re under His protection. If we deliberately sin by choosing to go our own way and disobey Him, then we’ll have to face the consequences, because we’ll be outside God’s protection.
God gives us a wonderful promise in Psalm 91:14-16: ‘Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honour him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation’.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for the wonderful way You take care of me every day, and how You never get distracted, or take Your eyes off me, even when I’m asleep. Please help me to keep holding fast to You in love, and not to knowingly sin against You and grieve Your heart. I love You, Lord, and want to stay under Your protection. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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