About this time last year my younger sister got a tattoo which reads
“our feet are standing inside your gates” psalm 122:2
She had a few different reasons why she wanted this verse..
My favorite, at the time, being the idea that wherever we (the family) are, ultimately we are standing together in his gates. I cannot think of a better time to apply this than now… being that I am in India, my younger brother just yesterday moved to Japan, my sister is in the scariest place of all.. Austin (haha) and my mom and dad are living it up in Lufkin. Spread out but not apart, our Father in heaven holds us together. But how much more meaning am I finding in this verse now when taking a second look..
In Psalms the people were so eager to go to the house of the Lord. They wanted to experience God and his goodness, to stand in his gates. Is God the first place you run to? I know that he is not always my first choice.. How about when your stressed, tired, hurt or homesick? Food is something I often turn to for comfort.
If you only knew how many snickers and cokes Ive had while on the race..
Just the other day my team went into town to see the city and go shopping (Us ladies have been wanting to buy a sari of our own). I was so overwhelmed by everything, the people, the variety of fabric for saris and just wanted to be back home. I ended up walking out of the store with a snickers, kit kit, pack of oreos and coke. (before judgment know I did share the oreos with the team haha) What the heck? I don’t even eat like that back home nor do I drink soda.. but it was something quick and easy that I thought would bring me comfort.
Instead I should look to God.
Later in psalm it says “may those who love you be secure, may there be peace within your walls”
I love this and pray the same thing, over and over! God you love us, you long for us to accept that love and love you so that we might be secure in you! That we will live within your walls and experience the peace you have for us.
My little sister got it right.. in times of doubt, fear, trouble or loneliness remember, as Christians.. Our feet are standing in his gates. I might be across the world from my family and that gets difficult but I know we are together in him.
So .. to my beautiful sister Reagan,
Thank you for the reminder to turn to God for comfort, security and peace.
Happy 20th Birthday.
You have been such a blessing in my life, even in the hard times 🙂
I see God through you and your zeal for life.
