At the finish of October this year, I chanced to gaze on the inky night sky to admire the lovely round face of the blue moon.  Perhaps you’ve heard the expression “once in a blue moon”, meaning “not very often”.  Indeed, a blue moon is the second of two full moons in a calendar month, and occurs every 2.5 years.  Why call it blue?  Perhaps the moonlight shining through our atmosphere’s dust or smoke particles gives it a bluish appearance.  I’m always impressed by the moon’s size and how close it seems.

The Psalmist speaks of the moon: “The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:5-8 NIV) God’s shadow of protection is often spoken of in Scripture, a refreshing and strong refuge from the enemy’s harm.  He doesn’t slumber or sleep, and preserves His people from the dangers of the day and fears of the night.  When God is our keeper, our life is not a leisurely one, but a well-armed one!  He keeps us safe for better things, His kingdom and His glory.

Do you relax in God’s protection and love, or is it not very often?  Do you trust Him to guard you day and night, from youth to old age?  Perhaps you are overly afraid of the dangers swirling about, and not looking ahead to His wonderful kingdom and life forever with Him.  I love the medieval prayer of St. Richard of Chichester, because it encourages us to remember all Jesus has done for us, and to look to see Him more vividly, day by day.

Prayer:  Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits Thou hast given me, for all the pains and insults Thou hast borne for me.  O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother, may I know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, and follow Thee more nearly, day by day. (St. Richard of Chichester).  Amen.

Shirley Moulton