2016年1月6日
鐘聲響起 Ringing Reminders
读经: 詩篇37篇21-31節
Reading: Psalm 37:21-31
他雖失腳，也不至全身仆倒，因為耶和華用手攙扶他。-詩篇37篇24節
Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:24
全年读经: 創世記16-17章;馬太福音5章27-48節
Bible in a Year: Genesis 16–17; Matthew 5:27-48
西敏寺的鐘塔是英國倫敦相當具有代表性的地標，並以「大笨鐘」（Big Ben）之稱而聞名於世。一般認為鐘聲的旋律，是取自韓德爾名曲《彌賽亞》中「我知道我的救贖者活著」的曲調。後來有人寫了一些字句，並陳列在大笨鐘的鐘房裡：
願主此刻成為我引導；
讓我靠祢大能不跌倒。
詩篇37篇也有類似的詞句：「義人的腳步被耶和華立定，他的道路，耶和華也喜愛。他雖失腳，也不至全身仆倒，因為耶和華用手攙扶他」 （23-24節） 。在此，我們看到上帝的兒女經歷祂親密的同在：「他的道路，耶和華也喜愛」 （23節） 。在31節更是提到：「上帝的律法在他心裡，他的腳總不滑跌。」
這實在是非比尋常！這位宇宙的創造者不但扶持我們、幫助我們，祂還深深關切我們生活中的每一個片刻。怪不得使徒彼得會滿懷信心地告訴我們說：「你們要將一切的憂慮卸給上帝，因為祂顧念你們」（彼得前書5章7節） 。只要心中確信上帝必然看顧，我們就有勇氣面對各樣的景況。
慈愛的天父，謝謝祢關心我生活中的每一個細節。
當我面對困難的時候，求祢激勵我，
使我言行舉止都能表明祢偉大的愛，並榮耀祢的聖名。
在上帝的手中無比穩妥
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The clock tower at Westminster, which contains the bell known as Big Ben, is an iconic landmark in London, England. It is traditionally thought that the melody of the tower chimes was taken from the tune of "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" from Handel's Messiah. Words were eventually added and put on display in the clock room:
Lord, through this hour be Thou our guide;
So by Thy power no foot shall slide.
These words allude to Psalm 37: "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand" (vv. 23-24 nlt). Notice how intimately involved God is in His children's experience: "He delights in every detail of their lives" (v. 23 nlt). Verse 31 adds, "The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip."
How extraordinary! The Creator of the universe not only upholds us and helps us but He also cares deeply about every moment we live. No wonder the apostle Peter was able to confidently invite us to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). As the assurance of His care rings in our hearts, we find courage to face whatever comes our way.
Loving Father, thank You that every part of my life matters to You. Encourage me in my struggles so that I might walk in a way that reflects Your great love and honors Your great name.
No one is more secure than the one who is held in God's hand.