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I just set up security cameras around our house. I hate living in an endemic surveilance society, and, yet, I am becoming a contributor! What has caused this seeming betrayal of principle: fear. That's right, fear. The thing of which we are told: "The only thing to fear is fear itself" (an incorrect statement, by the way). So, why then am I afraid? What is it I'm afraid of?
Well, tonight, for the second time in the last three Mondays, we had a trespasser on the property. Two Mondays ago, it was two guys (whom Lilly spotted), and they made off with Brian's car battery. Tonight, it was one guy, and we confronted him. At which point, he produced the excuse that he was just "looking for Larry". Of course, Lilly had actually watched him peering into the windows of each of our cars...(Lilly is pretty vigilant) he left peacefully, but now we are wary. Very wary.
So, before heading to bed, I set up a couple of cameras. It doesn't matter if they are hooked up to a recorder yet. (I've been having Linux compatibility issues when I tried to set up Zoneminder) Just having them there creates a potentially useful deterent. I hope it works.
Ultimately though, our protection Lies with Christ. You can make all sorts of arguments for a doctrine of suffering and about how are time on Earth is limited. Or, you can make the argument that we are meant to suffer. But, when I read the Psalms, I am constantly struck by how the Psalmist (probably David for many or most of them) looked to God as his protector. This gives me comfort for it tells me about the character of God. Namely, that he does protect us and shelter us. It is undoubtably true that He also allows bad things to happen to us, but I am convinced that these things always fit in his plan in the end. Meanwhile, it is at least appropriate to ask him for our protection. And so we do. I am thankful that it is so, and thankful also that no scheme of man or Satan can deprive me of the grace I have in Christ. The war between Satan and God has already been won by Christ. That is pretty cool.
So, with that being said, I hereby say, "Goodnight.". Please be praying for us as I do so and hereafter that Yahweh, God Almighty, will continue to protect us. I pray that he will protect you, too.
Goodnight.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
- Psalm 27
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