He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat. (Psalm 147:13-14 NIV)
Do you trust God to protect you and care for you in times of trouble? Are you dwelling in the shelter of the Most High? Are you resting in Him?
As I read Psalm 147, I find myself feeling very thankful to God. It inspires me to praise Him. God is awesome, He is sovereign, He is magnificent. He is the One who is able to restore our broken hearts and lives. His power and majesty are endless.
These days, we are witnessing an increase in the violence in this world. The reports of disturbing acts are on the incline in many places. Fear can become agonizing if we dwell on all we see and hear. When I start to feel that way, I find it helpful to think about what Scripture says about God’s greatness and His ability to protect, provide and care for His children.
Aside from these days, there have been many times when I have lived in God’s safety, security and peace, amidst otherwise fearful times. I have to admit that I have not been fearful over my physical welfare often – in a life-threatening sense. However, in 2005, I did have that experience, but not fear caused by another’s actions. I had surgery for a malformation at my brainstem. According to the medical professionals, if I had not had that surgery, eventually I would be in a permanent vegetative state and in time, my days in this world would end. Alternatively, if I underwent this surgery and something went wrong, the possible outcomes were the same as if I didn’t have the surgery. I was really afraid for a while, a long while, but over time God gave me peace. I came to accept that whether I physically lived or died, I would be safe with Him. The malformation or surgery may have taken my physical life, but my eternal life was safe and secure in Jesus. I could rest in Him and live in peace, instead of fear. Admittedly, my physical condition is still troublesome, as the purpose of the surgery was to save my life but it could not “fix” all the effects of the malformation, but I’m alive. My life has its challenges, but it’s a good life. I’m surrounded every day by love, laughter and thankfulness for the many blessings that God has provided for me.
This world can be a scary place at times. But, we can take comfort in knowing that we have a place to go where we can find shelter during any of life’s storms. God loves each of us and longs to accept us as His children. The things that God has to offer us are not just temporary or temporal, instead, He offers us life, protection, and provision, which is eternal. Nothing or no one can ever take that away from us. Our safety and security are in Him.
My prayer is, “heavenly Father, thank you for Your word to us in Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV) which says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Please help us to trust you and to dwell in the shelter that you provide to Your children. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
