I came walking fast this afternoon. Faster than usual. I had decided to go home between work and a meeting, giving me about an hour to at least get out of the office and change clothes. As I walked the almost-mile back, I could sense the rain.
The sky was absolutely lit up (I didn’t have my camera with me!). Ahead of me was the remnant’s of the day’s blue sky, its few clouds reflecting the light of the sunset. Behind me and to my left was the sun setting behind the mountains, casting an amazing silhouette of the 85-foot monument Cristo Rey (Christ the King). The dark rain clouds were distinct and almost shining from the back.
Even without the darkening sky and cool breeze, it was obvious from the people around me that it was about to rain. Everyone was walking fast and looking at the sky.
I made it to the church before the rain fell – in fact, I may have made it in record time. The walk takes me under 20 minutes if I’m walking alone and at a good pace — but I think I may have made it in less than 15. The daily walk to and from church has become a special time for me.
One day last week, though, I was running late. I was supposed to be there at 7:00 for a time of worship I was leading, and due to a late night of recording I wasn’t ready in time, so I decided to take a taxi, which costs less than $3. As I arrived and set up my things, one of the regular attendees came in. “Oh, I’m so glad to see you! I woke up with you on my heart this morning and just couldn’t stop praying, I was so worried about your walk here this morning.”
(My walk is on a main road and I never have run into problems or even apparent danger, so her concern surprised me.)
“I took a taxi this morning,” I said, amazed. Could it be that I didn’t take the taxi only because I was running late?
Her prayers and her concern didn’t worry me – in fact, they encouraged me. We are all just around the corner from unknown danger. A car accident, sickness – anything could happen. I was encouraged to know that in the midst of unknown danger, He has me under His wing.
It was after that experience that I began to meditate on Psalm 91 and I wrote the blog post “Rampart.” A couple of days later, I began to sing parts of Psalm 91. The tune and words have gone through my head over and over the last few days. I hope this Psalm is a blessing to you.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqpNcGTcsXo[/youtube]