Today is the 4th of July, Independence Day in America.
This morning I was having mixed feelings about it.
I was out in the garden pulling weeds. It was nice and quiet at first, with shade from a nearby tree making it pleasant, even though the thermometer said it was 88º F already when I went outside.
Then I started hearing an occasional bang; I assume it was someone practicing shooting fireworks. But in the last couple of years I’ve been hearing such sounds at odd times of the year and of the day or night.
It’s been strange, because I had never before lived in a place where people fire shots so nearby that I can hear them.
So, this morning something in me wanted to cringe instead of celebrating.
God has definitely been testing my faith in the last couple of years. You know, it seemed so much easier before to trust and overcome fear, when the trials were similar to or easier than those through which I had already passed.
But as those really difficult trials fade away, farther and farther on the distant horizon of the past, the new trials that fall into the realm of the completely unknown for me, place in me a fear which I have not immediately known how to overcome.
My first reaction has been to try to figure it out, to lean on my own understanding (why?? since I don’t understand…) instead of bringing the problem to the Lord and leaning on Him who understands all and has solutions for everything.
And over and over He has reminded me that I am to lean on Him.
I can’t control this problem or that one.
But He can.
I can’t solve these problems or those.
But He can.
So, this morning in the garden, I found myself moving closer and closer to the edge of the garden, trying to stay in the shade, until the shade from the tree was no longer where I needed it to be.
Then, just as I was starting to feel the unbearable heat of the sun, a cloud covered the sun, bringing instant, cooling shade, and the welcome words of the Lord pushed into my consciousness:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
I think in the past, I have thought of dwelling in the Lord more in the terms of safety, and that is definitely something I needed to be reminded of this morning. But I don’t know if I’ve ever considered before that His shadow could block out the heat of the spiritual war that rages against my soul.
But it can!
Approaching His gracious Presence in faith can so quickly and easily change the climate of my spirit and bring me comfort.
Fear and unbelief are banished, and peace and joy remain as I dwell in His loving arms.
Dwell and abide are the special words I chose at the beginning of this year as my goal to pursue, and the Lord has reminded me again of just how much I have been failing to dwell in Him, how easily I am distracted from bringing every thought captive before Him, and how much progress I still need to make toward abiding in Him.
He knows that I remember better when He paints me a picture. So, I thank Him for this morning’s picture of the cloud covering the sun, and of how instantaneously the heat was banished.
Thank You, Lord, that I can trust You in every situation, even the new ones that I have never faced before. I need training in some of them to know how to proceed, but You do not need to be trained in new situations. Who would train You anyway??? You are God! All true wisdom comes from You! No one is as wise as You! No difficulty that comes across my path will ever take You by surprise or have You wringing Your hands in despair. You are my true Shelter, my Savior, my Deliverer, my Guide. I can run to You and be safe. Help me to dwell close to Your heart in reverence and faith and obedience to You all the time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Linking up with:
Dance with Jesus, Faith on Fire
Faith ‘n Friends, Grace & Truth
Chasing Community, Grace Moments
You hit the nail on the head: whatever we face is easier and more peaceful when we dwell in Him. Perfect. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patricia, for your visit and encouraging words!
LikeLike
God never promises we won’t face heat and trials, but He does promise to help ease the load and bring us comfort! Thanks for these encouraging words! Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, Liz! And what a joy it is to know that! I’m glad you dropped by for a visit! Blessings to you, as well!
LikeLike
You once asked me to pray for you on the subject of dwelling. I’m glad to see the topic has not strayed from your mind or heart. Love the verse as usual.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brittany, dear, you are such a precious sister. Thank you for praying for me. You know the enemy of our souls has thrown up so many obstacles and distractions, but Jehovah is my Shepherd. He has come to my aid over and over again to rescue me and to remind me of how close He wants our relationship to be. I’m so glad that He loves me that much!
May the Lord continue to bless you and your sweet family as you seek to walk in obedience to His revealed will for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ruth, I love your title “Climate Change for the Soul.” And you gave us such a beautiful example of what that might look like. It made me think of Jonah and his shade plant. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful week-end!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Donna! You made me smile with your reminder of Jonah. 😊 A great weekend to you, also!
LikeLike
I like your metaphor of climate and soul. We don’t really have weather here in California, as such, and our Spring wind is still in our Summer – but I will think of my soul being batted about today and finding stillness and shelter with Jesus. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Sue! Thanks for your visit here! I pray that in His Shelter you will find the peace and stillness that you need. May His Spirit lift you up and give you precious rest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trust can be so hard but that peace is so worth the effort!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is, Sarah! May the Lord continue to help us to trust Him more.
Thank you for your insightful comment! 🙂
LikeLike
The challenges change and new ones appear – but the need to just give it over to him never changes. I find myself having to remind myself over and over again to give “it” to him – and not play “tug of war” with it. I love the picture lesson he gave up! He is so gentle with us. This quote: “His shadow could block out the heat of the spiritual war that rages against my soul” – what a good reminder that challenges are multi-dimensional – and God is, too, all dimensional in his ability to counter these attacks! Shalom, friend, in the handing over of your challenge and resting in his shade!
LikeLike
Thank you, Maryleigh! Shalom to you, as well, and welcome back! 🙂
LikeLike
Dwelling and abiding in His presence is the key to overcoming fear and unrest in my life. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, Sister! Keep on striving to abide! Blessings! 🙂
LikeLike