Shamar
You may have noticed the Hebrew word “Shamar” in the heading for this blog. It is truly a meaningful word to me. If you read Psalm 121 (which I highly recommend), and you look into the original Hebrew translation, you will find Shamar in 6 different places – v. 3, 4, 5, twice in verse 7, and again in verse 8. In English, the translation can sound a bit casual and unimportant – “The Lord will keep you, the Lord is your Keeper . . . ” But in reality, this word means, “The Lord will guard your life, watch over, take charge over.” The example that comes to my mind is if a friend asked you to watch over their newborn baby through the night, you probably wouldn’t just put the baby in the crib, go in another room and hope everything would be fine. If it were me, I would be nearby, listening for breathing sounds, watching for any possible distress – “eagle-eyed” with my care for this child. So in Psalm 121, when that particular word is used 6 times in 8 verses . . . hmmm . . . do you think the Lord wants us to know He is intimately and intentionally involved in any detail of our lives as He keeps watch over us? Yep!
In this season of my life, I can’t explain the comfort and peace that comes from knowing God, “Jehovah El Roi” (the God who sees) is never taking His watchful eyes off of me. The psalm even mentions that He never slumbers (which is like taking a nap) or sleeps (deeper rest). God is always watching over us. ALWAYS. I hope that comforts you like it does me!
One more quick note on the title of this blog: Kept on the Journey really has two meanings. First, God is “keeping me” or “Shamar-ing” me on this journey. He is minute-by-minute watching over Dick and I. But second, I believe God is “keeping me on this journey” – meaning, I will be on this journey until He is ready for me to finish it. I’m reminded of James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy WHEN you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
I hope you know God’s Shamar-love for you today. What an amazing God we serve!
11 Comments
Tere Gardner
Jehovah Rapha is at work! We are praying for comfort and peace and complete healing for you. Ben and I know this kind of journey. God has been with us each step of the way. Hold onto each other and trust His ways. Prayers of others helped carry us through. We will keep you covered in prayer🙏🏻❤️ God provided a miracle for Benny 6 years ago and continued to watch over him. His cancer returned in May last year but was caught early, praise God! We continue to pray for his only kidney. We’ve learned to trust and continue to live without fear! That’s hard sometimes for me but I lay it at His feet and thank God for never leaving us and He never will!!! You always look so beautiful Mel!
We love you guys,
Tere & Ben Gardner
Nancy Anders
Sending you so much love during this journey! Pls know we are praying for you and believing God hears. So thankful you have a strong community surrounding you and tons of friends praying for you. May you feel His touch and the calm assurance of His Word😘
BLESS BLESS BLESS you ❤️
Scott Keegan
Jehovah jireh (God will provide) is also at work in your life as He provides just the right doctors, the right medications, and other assistance that you need as you travel through this valley. I also believe He is providing you with His comfort and encouragement as expressed in your blog. The explanation of Shamar was new to me and was a blessing – you are ministering to others as you navigate this trial! Many of us feel helpless because we want to help in any way we can – but the reality is that you are already being given the best care and comfort through Dick and the Lotd. We will pray and drop a note of encouragement as the Lord leads so you know you have friends who care about both of you. You are loved and appreciated!
Troy Bateson
Isaiah 41:10
[10] fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
He is with y’all and so are all of us!🙏✝️
Michael and Linda Adler
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” Isaiah 52:7
I’ll bet you have beautiful feet. 🙂
Alicia
Mel, Dick, I’m right here. Watching, praying, remembering you to the Father every single day. I love you.
cyndi
I love how the Word is perfect for what we encounter and how it comforts and guides us no matter the journey. I look forward to reading your updates as God teaches and guides you to deeper places of His being.
Tammy Lane
Mel, what a blessing to hear God at work in and through you. What indescribable comfort to have the guarantee that He is ALWAYS with us, carrying us and guiding us each step of the journey.
I love the word Shamar, what a wonderful comfort to know that He will guard, watch over and take charge of every detail of our lives.
Love you and Dick so very much and holding you tight in our prayers dear friend💙
Sandy M Roberts
Mel- You are on an incredible and tough journey with our Lord, Dick, family (all ages), friends, and other loved ones as well as others you don’t even know. What a wonderful word, Shamar! Especially when you wrote how God is “taking charge” over us. He is the one fighting this battle, he’s in charge!! We are the ones running to him because we know our Lord will catch us! As we sit in the chemo line praying for the other patients will also turn to the Lord and praying he will heal them, we start conversing with them. We never walk in this journey alone! You gave me encouragement and you are in our prayers and the prayers of so many others. May you find encouragement and love in every wod! Find joy in everything you do on this journey!
Love from Sandy and Bruce Roberts
Cherish
Thank-you so much for sharing your journey, this was very encouraging to me today.
Matt Price
This is beautifully expressed, Mel. Yes, God is not distant. As you have written, He is watching over you and Dick with the constant, attentive care of a Father who never sleeps, never forgets, and never lets go. Even when your strength feels small, His guarding presence will surround you. It’s a joy to know that we are held, seen, and kept in every step of our individual journeys.