Rest in His Shadow

Psalm 91:1-2
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.”

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,  
But I have promises to keep, 
And miles to go before I sleep, 
And miles to go before I sleep. -Robert Frost

Tim and I enjoy walking Rosie May at the local park. We often take her around the paved path, then let her run and play catch on the tennis court. The other day, as the heat of the day increased, we chose the wooded path for a short hike. As we trekked along the gravel trail, I looked up and admired the canopy the trees made as they bowed over the walking path. I welcomed the shade as the sun rose higher and the temperatures went up. The blue sky peeked through the green leaves and created a picture of the beauty God created. The woods were indeed lovely.

The canopy of trees reminded me of the shelter God provides. On that hot morning, He provided shade. The times when my heart hurts for this world, God offers comfort and confidence in Him. I'm thankful He is in control of this mess, and He will never leave me.

I rarely watch the news because I'm disappointed in how it's presented and in how people are falling for Satan's antics. They fling so much tragedy in our faces. It truly is a sad state of being, but my friends, we have hope and a place to go for comfort. As I continue my journey on this earth, with miles to go and promises to keep, I know without doubt, Jesus walks with me and His joy fills my soul. He keeps me moving forward.

Jesus' love gives us the hope we need to walk in this weary world, and God offers comfort and peace as we rest in His shadow. He is my refuge, and I trust Him.

Seek God's shelter.

His Joy is Strength

My joy overflowed to have all three of my daughters 

with me on Mother's Day weekend.

We made art, we laughed, we talked, we ate, and we loved.

Even when my days are not so glorious and full of family and fun, I choose joy. 

Different from happiness, joy is Jesus in my heart, 

comforting me and reminding me that in Him everything will be okay. 

This day is holy to our Lord. 

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10b

 

How about a God Hug?

Psalm 91:1-2
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.”

I have a friend who talks about "God kisses." Those moments when life works out. Maybe your path runs across that of a friend you haven't seen in a while, or an unexpected opportunity opens. For me, even the sight of my lavender tulips felt like a God kiss, a tiny joy of spring. But then there are those times when I need more. I may feel a little lost in my path. Sadness affects my life, anxiety gets me down. During those times, a God kiss is sweet, but I need a "God hug." A big old, God pulls me into him, hug.

Yes, an embrace from God. Many times those come to me on Sunday morning, while I'm standing in church singing worship music. I close my eyes and picture myself walking into the most comforting hug I can imagine. That's how it works for me, but God reaches out to us in so many ways. Maybe as you walk along your favorite trail, or drive down the road in your car (just don't close your eyes) you feel his arms around you. Perhaps while you rock a newborn, or sit quietly reading the Bible. God offers his open arms whenever we want to step into them. He's our comfort and safe place.

I'm grateful for a God who offers me shelter and his shadow for rest.