There is snow on the ground right now and it is constantly making me think of newness and freshness, but with so many things going on right now it is difficult to think of things as new and fresh. I woke up this morning to the terrible news of a missionary who passed away in Uganda. I knew him only slightly and know his family only slightly better, but his loss still affects and there will be no shortage of prayers of intercession for his family and teammates. I have recently taken to reading about the Lord's protection in Psalms 121. It is a difficult thing to understand under these circumstances, but I, as well as you, I pray will not be leaning on our own understanding through circumstances such as these.

I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.

The Lord protects you.
The Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going, both now and forever.