Never Alone
“When in affliction’s valley I’m treading the road of care, my Savior helps me to carry my cross when heavy to bear, though all around me is darkness, Earthly joys all flown; my Savior whispers His promise, ‘I never will leave thee alone’.” – Author unknown
Scripture Reading: Psalm 9:9-10, Isaiah 40:26, 29-31
If you have ever owned a dog then I’m sure you will be able to relate; but if you haven’t, I’m here to tell you that 99.9% of dogs are afraid of thunderstorms! My dogs are 100% afraid! One of my dogs will run off, find a corner or spot under a piece of furniture, sit there, and shake through the whole ordeal. My other dog will run to find me. She will stand by my feet in hopes that I’ll pick her up or sit down and cuddle her on my lap.
In Psalm 91:1 it tells us, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Dwell. Dwell in His shelter. Not to liken us to dogs, but in the way we behave, we may also tend to run into a corner and cry, or find a dark place and shake, but why? God is there waiting and wanting to pick us up and hold us! The Almighty! The One who has the whole world and the universe in the palm of His hands! Why run the other way when we could dwell in the “lap” of the One who commands and demands the storm? And by “dwelling” I’m talking about reading and soaking in His word, constantly praying and talking to Him, putting Him first in our thoughts and decisions. He will cover us, shelter us, and hold us until the storm passes.
BUT – The Psalmist not only tells us to “dwell” but also to “rest”!
Rest. Rest in His shadows. Now, do my dogs stop shaking and start resting when I pick them up? No, not always. Sometimes I even find myself getting upset with them because they don’t seem to fully trust that I’ve “got” them and they are safe! I know sometimes I do that too – I run to Jesus but still hold on to the fear and anxiety of my storms. But why? I know that I will hold and keep my puppies safe from the storm – even more so, wouldn’t my Father hold me safe and give me rest? Rest in His arms! Rest in His love! Rest in His strength to get us through the everyday storms of life.
In His Hands,
+Valerie
So Thankful for today’s message, a sweet friend of my daughter just lost her husband in a tragic accident yesterday morning.. I had to share the quote from the unknown author with her. I pray her and her sweet children find rest in our God who is no doubt wrapping her up in his arms and providing comfort.
Oh my! I’m so sorry! I just stopped and prayed that God would wrap His arms of comfort and peace around her and her family! And that they will be overwhelmed with His sustaining Grace!
Yes, and when we do run to him he gives us peace! What a wonderful Father we have..?
The Peace that goes beyond anything our human minds can comprehend! Yes, He is a good, good Father! 🙂