Putting God in a Box

By Linda Gray

“…He who keeps you will not slumber.” Psalm 121:3b ESV

While serving on a mission team in New York City, we toured a Hindu Temple.  The gods and goddesses that were on “display” were larger than life-size and beautifully ornate. It was also obvious that they were meticulously maintained. We respectfully observed devout worshippers bowing and trusting these idols to answer their petitions.  The expressions on the faces of these deities remained the same. Not even an eyelid blink. 

We then went into a shop next door.  It was equipped with every worship implement needed to practice the Hindu religion.  We were all curious about the “houses” that were on display and available for purchase.  They varied in size but were similar in style.

When we questioned our guide, she simply said, “These are houses for the gods.  They are placed in there at night to sleep.”  We could read each other’s minds.  We serve a God who doesn’t need to sleep.

However, do we put Him in a box?  Do we forget that He is always ready to help us in our time of need?  He is our keeper.  It’s not the other way around.

I once had a Bible College professor say, “I want a God who carries me.  Not one that I have to carry.” We serve the one and only true God.  He created our universe and all that exists in it.  He can answer every prayer we utter.

These deities I saw placed around that room were stunning in appearance.  Yet, they needed constant care to remain that way.  My God’s beauty will never fade.  And I will get to see Him in all His glory one day!

Before you place your head on your pillow tonight why not read Psalm 121 and let the words of David lull you to sleep:

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
     who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
     will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
     nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;
     he will keep your life.

 The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
     from this time forth and forevermore.

Father, it is comforting to know that when I am asleep You are fully aware of what’s going on. You carry me. Remind me to never put You in a box. Amen.

© 2020 by Linda Gray.  All rights reserved.

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