Listen to Safety Instructions

Thou Maintainest My Lot

Ken

“The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot” (Psalm 16:5 KJV). To the OT Jew, each of the twelve tribes had been apportioned a “lot,” an area of Israel for their inheritance, except the Tribe of Levi, which was scattered throughout the cities of Israel. They were to maintain worship for Jehovah. To Levi, the LORD proclaimed, “I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel” (Numbers 18:20). Instead of land, Levi was to be supported with the tithes brought into the Tabernacle. “And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation” (18:21). The certainty of the LORD’s sustenance, a guaranteed income — “Thou maintainest my lot” — when compared to Levi, is what any child of God can expect from the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23). But, that income is by faith and only from God.

A Prayer of  David:

“LORD, You give me stability and prosperity; You make my future secure” (Psalm 16:5 NET). 

“It is as if I have been given fertile fields or received a beautiful tract of land” (Psalm 16:6 NET).

“I will praise the LORD who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn” (Psalm 16:7 NET). 

“I constantly trust in the LORD; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8 NET). 

“So my heart rejoices and I am happy; My life is safe” (Psalm 16:9 NET). 

“You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow your faithful follower to see the Pit” (Psalm 16:10 NET). 

“You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in Your presence; You always give me sheer delight” (Psalm 16:11 NET). 

Avoiding Back Injury

Ken

Lifting heavy objects by squatting, head up, tailbone down, and keeping the object close to your chest as you stand up, is the best way to avoid lower back injury, according to safety experts. Some call it, Lift with your legs.  Better yet, if it’s that heavy, team lift, where possible. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14 KJV). Kudos to all the safety guys I encountered, who contributed to my lack of lower back injury during my work career! You generally don’t realize you’re lifting wrong, until you injure yourself. Better to act like everything is heavy. Attempting to reach over a heavy object, arching your back, and using your body like a crane, leaves you open to lower back injury. Flexibility of bending at the hip first, then at your knees, when you squat to lift is key. Keeping your spine somewhat straight helps, as you lift. Muscle memory ingrains the idea. Back braces, in my opinion, are not as important as understanding how to protect your back. It is as if it takes more humility to squat and lift than to bend over and potentially injure yourself lifting too heavy an object. As with any human endeavor, “Safety is of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31). May the LORD bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you, give you peace, and protect your lower back. In Jesus’ name, amen.