Tiggy

I have asked the LORD for one thing;
one thing only do I want:
to live in the LORD’S house all my life,
to marvel there at his goodness,
and to ask for his guidance.
In times of trouble he will shelter me;
he will keep me safe in his Temple
and make me secure on a high rock.
(verses 4,5)

Read Psalm 27: 1, 4-9

When I was a boy we used to play games like ‘tiggy’ and ‘catchy’ where you had to avoid being touched by whoever was ‘it’. If you were tagged, then you became ‘it’ until you managed to catch someone else. But there was always a home, a safe spot where no-one could touch you. You were safe there.

The ancient Israelites, in a more serious way, had a similar custom where, if they were being pursued, they could run to the temple and seek sanctuary by taking hold of the altar. No-one would lay a hand on such a person for fear of God’s punishment. David, when he was on the run from King Saul, was aware of such a safety spot.

Your equivalent is being a member of the Christian church. Whenever you are in danger of being tagged by trouble, physically or spiritually, you can seek sanctuary and find the shelter and protection of God’s love over your life. Like David, you can find a safe place, one of great beauty and delight.

Lord, thank you for the beautiful gift of keeping me safe from all harm and danger. Amen.

by Richard Hauser, in ‘Assurance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)

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