Psalm 23:5 NLT The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. 

[11/01/2023; iPhone 14 ProMax]

Dublin, Ireland. A short trip but full in a way that only travel can be. Up to this point, this was the only trip I’ve taken where I arrived and departed the destination on the very same day. Because Dublin was so close and a very short flight, I saw it as a fun challenge: how much could I experience in just one day? No lodging needed. Plus, since it was only a day, it could save me a bit of cash while still having the opportunity to visit a new country. I arrived early in the morning and left late at night. From the moment I left London Stansted Airport, I was reminded that even short journeys are held by God. Psalm 121:8 speaks of coming and going, of movement and return, and that verse stayed with me as the day unfolded. There wasn’t much time to linger, but there was enough time to notice. Enough time to walk, to observe, and to be present. 

Landing in Dublin, the pace of the day picked up quickly. My first stop was the Guinness Storehouse at St. James, where history, craftsmanship, and culture filled every level. I toured the factory and saw the historic Guinness gates, which have stood for generations. It was amazing to see how an operation of that magnitude still runs at such a high level today. My favorite part of the tour was reaching the Gravity Bar at the very top. Overlooking all of Dublin, I stayed there for a while, taking in the view, talking with locals and fellow travelers before heading to my next stop. 

From there, I made a quick stop at the Jameson Distillery, another window into Ireland’s heritage. It was more of a pass-through visit, just enough to see what it was about, before moving onto the real next stop. 

The next stop was at Trinity College, Dublin, at the University of Dublin founded in 1592. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies, so being surrounded by books, seeing the layout, and walking around to see the Socrates sculpture was especially meaningful.  

Much of the afternoon was spent simply walking around the city. Taking pictures and breathing in the cold Dublin air were some of the best moments of the trip. I ended up grabbing food at Bunsen Burger, right near the famous Temple Bar. 

Later in the evening, I decided to go a little farther out to Black Forge, owned by former UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor. The place was packed and reservation-only but even seeing it from the outside and catching a quick glimpse inside felt worthwhile, especially given my own background in boxing and combat sports. Also! Former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield used to wear Psalm 121 on the front of his boxing shorts for some his pro matches.

Psalm 121:8 reminds us that God’s care isn’t limited by distance or duration. He watches over every departure and every return, whether the journey lasts weeks or only a day. 

Soon enough, it was time to head back to Dublin Airport and then return to London. I remember the walk back to my car at Stansted and then the drive back to my apartment. A successful trip indeed.

Closing

The amazing thing I have learned about travel is that travel continues to teach me that presence is way more important than pace. Psalm 121 reminds me that wherever I go and whenever I return, the Lord is already there, watching over each and every step. He knows our hearts and gives us the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us. 

One of the most comforting truths in Psalm 121 is the promise that God is always available. He never sleeps. He is omnipresent and is always watching over us. If you wake up in the middle of the night, you can talk to Him. If you’re nervous, He’s there. If you want to celebrate good news, He’s there. We are never alone. 

God doesn’t promise an easy life. Trouble and hardship will come, and they shape us in ways comfort never could. Yet even there, He promises guidance, protection, peace, and joy. 

Even a one-day trip can be an act of trust when it’s placed in His hands 

Jesus is KING. 

As you reflect this week, ask yourself: 

Where might God be meeting you in the in-between moments? 

How can you practice presence, even when life feels rushed? 

Please share in the comments! 

💎