I was walking along a trail this week when the sky quickly darkened and the flood gates of heaven opened with torrential rain. I immediately ran for the nearest shelter I could find and nestled myself under the largest tree, placed a little higher than the level of the trail. Its branches hung low and it leaves large, so it protected me from the worst of the storm. As I was curled up at the base of the tree, waiting for the storm to pass, a scripture and song came to me:
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower. The righteous run to it and they are safe”. – Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)
As I sat there, rain pouring down around me, I was reminded how God wants to be my shelter, my safe place. He wants to be the first one I run to when I’m feeling overwhelmed. He doesn’t want me to run to lesser things.
When I feel under qualified or when the storms of Life come, He wants to be my protection and strength for each day to day challenge. When I worry about my family, He wants to give me peace with His presence. When the enemy attacks, causing fear, doubt and insecurity, He wants to be my refuge.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1Peter 5:8 (NIV)
The word “safe” in Proverbs 18:10 (NIV), is also translated “to set highly above” (NET) and “above evil” (AMP) . What a beautiful thought. When we run to the Lord we are raised up, elevated above surrounding danger.
When I was a young girl, my dad would lift me up high above the ground on his shoulders, not just to sit, but to stand on his shoulders and balance there on my own. In what would seem like a scary place to most, I felt safe and content. I felt this way because I trusted my dad. If I faltered or fell, I knew he would catch me. This is the way our Heavenly Father is. He wants to set us on a higher place and if we fall He will be there to catch us.
When the world around us is shaking, and it will shake, our God is sovereign. I encourage you to run to Him and allow Him to carry you on His shoulders. His arms are always open.
“But the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
“The Lord will be a refuge and stronghold for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know your name (who have experienced Your precious mercy) will put their confident trust in you, for You, O Lord , have not abandoned those who seek you.” – Psalm 9:9-10 (AMP)
Encouraging words, each of us mindful of one another.
Loving God with all our hearts, our minds, our souls and our strength, is often forgotten when affliction strikes, and the rest, our neighbor as ourselves; this gives us perspective.
When we forget or neglect the Law of the Lord, He promised stripes. He promised the rod.
And Jesus took that for us.
Today , I thank God for the slight affliction.
I realize thatHe is at work in me.
He never leaves me where I had been
He clears out the self pity and the unforgiveness.
I force myself to sing “Bless the Lord, o my soul”
My voice is not what it once was, lusty and strong.
I forget my petty pains and inconvenience.
We need one another.
We need to have one who will listen to our complaints and rants.
We need to hear words of correction and encouragement.
We need to be able to be honest and confess and clean ourselves up in the spirit
We need to pray with a heart full of grace
Bless the LORD, o my soul
Let all that is within me bless His holy Name!!!
May the Lord fill your heart now, Cindy,(and Sandra), with joy and peace in believing!
I love that when we praise the Lord from the depth of our souls for His greatness and goodness , our own spirit is elevated .
Thank you for your comments Peggy ,
Great word Cindy. I love the ministry of Well Christian Women, each story seems written just for me at just the right time. I love your example of your dad putting you on his shoulders and you knowing you were safe because you could trust him. No matter what life brings we will always be safe in our Father’s arms and can always trust Him. Thank you for this word.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
psalm 20:7
Thankful for a faithful and trusting God .
Beautiful Cindy and so timely as I walk with my parents through their time of trouble. It is a good reminder to me that God is in control of all we are facing and that in that shelter there is room for us all! Deb
Yes , so grateful there is room for us all in the shadow of His wings. Thanks, Deb
Beautiful words and scripture to live by Cindy….Praise the lord!
Thank you Tammy