02/27/2019
When you are tired, or in need of shelter in a storm, where do you turn? When all is lost, and you can’t provide for yourself where do you find sustenance? At every turn you may be pursued by an enemy, but is there a strong tower where you can take refuge? The answer is yes, and no matter the circumstances it is forever true and dependable... we dwell in our Lord.
“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.”
Psalms 91:9-10 ESV
There have been times in my life when I felt I was self sufficient; especially when I was young and full of confidence in my own strength and ability, but after many trials, and much suffering at the hands of the world, I now know better. You see, it takes only one small battle for a man to become a soldier, but it takes a lifetime of conflict to produce a seasoned veteran. Sometimes we Christians face our first hardship and pray as we should, seeking shelter in God’s Word, and when he stretches His arms out over us, and defeats our enemy, we gain confidence in our prayers, and ability to call on Him. Then with all the confidence in the world we face Satan in earnest, and our knees begin to quiver as we step forward into battle. We pray, and hear the silence of God, and in that moment of shaken faith, we might even turn and run from the battlefield. It is in moments like these that our faith is taught to grow, and we learn to seek the shelter of God. It is when we stand toe to toe with evil that our confidence changes from being in ourselves to being in God... this is where we are seasoned in our faith.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah”
Psalms 46:1-3, 7 ESV
So where are we in our seasoning? Are we full of self confidence in our faith, or amidst one of the battles that will serve to strengthen our belief? Are we still certain that we can face our sins alone, or are we humble enough to seek shelter in the Lord during each and every hardship we face? Psalms is full of advice on this subject because it is filled with the repetitions of the heart as the Psalmist sings of his desperation, of God’s protection, and of our joy when the challenge has been defeated and we are increased in Him...
So whether we are calling out to Him in our desperation...
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.”
Psalms 57:1-2 ESV
Or in the midst of struggle when we need Him to shelter us...
“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”
Psalms 27:5 ESV
Or finally at the end of the day when he has won a great victory for us and we are singing praises to Him...
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.”
Psalms 5:11 ESV
We realize the strengthening of our faith, and remain forever in His house...
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalms 23:6 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the trials of faith in my life that turn me in fear from the battlefield, and cause me to seek shelter in you. I thank you for your faithfulness, and never ending strength against the evil that terrifies me. I thank you Lord for your Son Jesus Christ who teaches me to abide in you, and helps me in my unbelief. Your protection is perfect Mighty Lord, and at the end of the day when I am at last safe, and you have won victory over my enemies, I praise you and glorify you in song and worship. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God from whom my faith bubbles up like a river, and flows over me. Great are you in battle, and all glory is yours as you shelter me, and teach me the meaning of truth, and strength. Be with me always Father, and let me be secure within you forevermore.
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah”
Psalms 32:7 ESV
Rich Forbes