Yesterday I began my work week the way I do every day- breakfast and some time in God's Word. Unsure where to begin, I simply prayed, "Father, what would you have me read?" I felt the gentle impression, "Psalm 91." As I turned there, I remembered that my mom & dad pray verse 11 every time they ride their motorcycle, and they pray that for me as well. In fact, I pray that verse now myself!
Anyway, I read the whole chapter (its not that long), but kept coming back to the first verse-
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
I found myself contemplating that verse the rest of the day, and returned to it this morning. Why this verse? And what is it saying to me? I began to break down the meaning of the words in it, and this is what it spoke to me-
"The one who fully lives under the covering and safety of the Father, will stay intimately connected and protected under the shadow of His presence."
The image of being a little kid, holding the hand of my dad, walking and talking together, his shadow shielding me from the sun, and feeling secure in his presence, came to mind in this verse and its meaning. I felt this same presence and assurance, only deeper, in my soul, with God this morning. My Father is still watching over me, still covering me, still walking with me, even though I so often, like a little kid, want to squirm away and run to other things. Yet deep in my heart, my desire is to dwell in His shelter, abide in His shadow. May that be the definition and direction of my life.
Rob

Last night a powerful thunderstorm came through our area, with torrential rain, high winds, and an incredible display of lightning. After the worst of the storm passed on through, and the rains had subsided, I felt the urge to go for my nightly run. There were still lightning flashes off in the distance, in front of and behind me. As I ran, the night would constantly light up, but the lightning was far enough away that I felt no fear. In fact, it was a rather transcendent moment, feeling both solitude out in the night, and the presence of God in the storm. It was beautiful.
I began to feel like the things that so knot me up inside- the sins I struggle with, the conflicts I face, the worries & concerns that occupy my mind- really seem kinda small, out here in this glorious display of power, light, and beauty. I get weighted down so easily, I lose sight of the glory of God all around me, and most important, within me. God says, "Lift up your eyes, and focus on Me. I am in the storm, and in your heart." I find great comfort and peace in that.
"The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the works of His hands." Psalm 19:1
I want my life to declare and proclaim Him as well.
Rob