If you have ever been under an umbrella in a heavy downpour, then you understand the comfort that this form of protection can bring. Or perhaps you have sat around a campfire on a chilly night and have felt safer with the heat radiating through your body. I remember as a child always feeling more sheltered when my mom or dad held my hand. Peace occurs when we feel content, safe, and fully protected.
Throughout my life, I have sheltered under many umbrellas and have sat near countless glowing campfires. Just last night as my wife and I sat praying together before bed, I held her hand and took comfort in her fingers wrapped around mine. I felt safe, not only by her but also by my heavenly Father, whose promises to never leave my side, and yes, yours.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)
Do I always feel safe and protected amidst the stresses in my life? No, but those times usually occur when the devil tries to fritter away my peace and steal my safety net of hunkering down under the wings of Jesus Christ, my Saviour.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)
Last night I woke up well before dawn. My room was dark and cool, and rather than fall back to sleep, my mind took off with too many thoughts, so much so that I decided to use my awake time to pray for family, friends, and situations that warranted me reciting relevant scripture verses from memory, a personal tactic that helps to curtail the enemy’s bombardment when I should be asleep.
Have your thoughts ever been ransacked by the devil? Have you ever felt yourself under attack where you felt that you were no longer under God’s careful watch? No doubt we all have those experiences from time to time. Life is chock-full of difficulties, and it is during those down cycles that we need to lean on God’s word the most. One of my all-time favourite Bible verses comes from Isaiah.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)
If you are discouraged in your faith and your walk with God, and you are trying hard to hold onto His promises, I believe God wants us both to know this: faith means to trust. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He wants us to let go of trying to make things happen on our own—to let go of trying to twist God’s arm for the changes we want. Let today be the day when you hunker down under His wings. God loves you. His arms are always open. He sees it all.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Psalms 46:1 NLT)
Paul Smyth
