When I was eleven years old, my family built a new home. To dig the foundation for the house, my grandfather had piled a small mountain of dirt not far from the home site. The next year we needed to start some major earth moving so we could plant grass seed!
One hot Saturday in July, my parents decided all of us, including me and my sister, would rake the earth, pull stones from it and move it around. I can remember the feel of the heavy shovel transporting that dark, dry earth. I recall coughing as a dust cloud sprang forth with each deposit.
After a few hours, my mom went into the house, returning with Popsicles and water. My dad instructed me and my sister to sit down in the yard and take a break. We plopped right down there in our dirt pile, exhausted from effort. With sweat rolling off him, my dad stood over us, taking the brunt of the sun’s blazing rays, browning his skin. Mom supplied us with refreshments and my dad’s shadow protected us, providing a place of sweet rest.
Our heavenly Father promises In Psalm 91:1 He will shelter His children as well. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
What is “dwelling in the shadow of the Most High”?
Does that translate into our staying in “safe” arenas: church, Christian venues, our homes; associating only with those of similar beliefs? No, of course not. (However doing just that would make life easier sometimes!)
We need to be wherever God is calling us. We do not need to be afraid of anything, any place, or any person. We can be in dangerous circumstances, yet, if God called us there, He will protect us. We need to practice staying in touch with Him. Spending time with Him in prayer and in His word. Keeping our focus fixed on Him.
Our part can be challenging. This world so easily distracts me, maybe you too? Yet, I recall how many times God has protected me in so many seemingly simple ways. How trustworthy He is. And how forgiving He is when I realize yet again, how I got distracted. Yet His open arms always take me back, along with my whispered repentance.
Life experience has taught me that God calls each of us to work, to accomplish things for Him. He doesn’t simply delegate those tasks to us and leave us alone. He is there with us, providing for us each step of the way. And when the work for the day is through, He also calls us to rest in Him. Learning to trust Him helps us rest. He has our tasks and He has us. He will make a way!
Will you join me in holding Him to His promises? He is God. His word can be trusted. He has never failed me yet!
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for Your promises. Thank You today that You promise when I dwell with You, I will rest in You. Remind me to work and rest with You. Thank You for Your word and Your promises! In Jesus’ name, Amen.