February 1, 2024

Ps. 139, 9 + 10 A Psalm of David

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Dear Readers,

the nostalgic stamp by American Airmail brings back childhood memories and dreams for me. Flying from Frankfurt am Main/Germany to New York in a four-engine Lockheed Super Constellation was a big dream at this time. My father had already air travelled in the 1950s. Not to America, but to England. He raved about flying.

King David also had a dream of flying. However not with a propeller airplane, but with the speed of light. He saw the first rays of sunlight rising on the horizon in the morning and wanted to fly with them to the other side of the world. What a vision! 

But David is not interested in traveling, but just in the presence of God in his life. He is certain that God will be at his side everywhere on earth. Even if he could fly to the ends of the earth on the wings of the dawn, the almighty God would be with him. No matter where he is, God is always with him. Not just in Jerusalem or on the shores of the Mediterranean. There is not a single place on this earth where God would not be with him. David knows that God is in the heavenly spheres and in the realm of the dead. No one can escape God. No one can ever hide from God's sight.

These thoughts are unimaginable, says David. This almighty God, who knows everything and sees everything, cannot be understood within someone’s mind. But this does not lead David to close himself off from God in fear. Quite the opposite! He even wants God to see into the furthest corners of his heart and examine his motives. David asks God to lead him on a good path through life. He prays at the end of the psalm that God may protect him from thinking evil and doing evil (verses 23 + 24):

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”

What a prayer! We should pray it every morning when the sun rises, and the sun's rays touch our senses. Please dear Father in heaven, keep me from evil ways today! Examine my thoughts. Guide me on a holy path this day.

The Lockheed Super Constellation had three conspicuous rudders at the rear. You can see them on the stamp. Every airplane needs a rudder. Otherwise, the pilot would not be able to steer his plane. We also need such "rudders" for our journey through life. For me, the three "rudders of faith" are the Word of God (the Bible), prayer and fellowship with other Christians. Without them, I cannot reach my destination safely. Like David, I ask God to guide me on my path through life. No matter where I am. How about asking him: God, be my co-pilot! Jesus Christ, be my good shepherd, be my good co-pilot!

Thank you very much for listening to me. I cordially invite you again to the next devotion with stamps on February 15. Until then, I wish you God's blessing and protection in spirit, soul, and body through our Lord Jesus Christ.