"The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place. But for all this, you did not trust the Lord your God, who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go."
When hard times come and my heart is hurting, I seem to react in my flesh, quickly forgetting that God is my comfort, my refuge and my strength. I forget His Sovereignty.
The word shadow was used in Hebrew as a metaphor for protection against oppression- Kings in Old Testament times were referred to as shade for those who depended upon them for protection. I know the scripture that speaks to resting in the 'shadow of His wings' or the 'shadow of the Almighty', but I think that I have underestimated the enormity of this Provision.
I can completely rest in His shadow. Not just take a moment to catch my breath and then get back to fighting in my own strength. Complete rest. Trusting in my King.
The protection that we receive from God, who loved us enough to sacrifice His only son is complete protection. He doesn't protect us until He tires, or provide for us until He decides we've received enough- He is faithful, and He is with us when we stumble. Psalm 37:23-24 says:
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.
Our family has been experiencing trials and challenges. At first confrontation, I have reacted with a hurt heart and many tears. Then I was led back to scripture to correct my misunderstanding and unbelief. It is so clear. God's word tells us that the Father's Love, Provision, Protection and continuing Guidance are available to us at every moment, and at every turn. But when the going gets tough- I am weak and I forget.
As I learn this lesson-albeit, a little late, I wanted to share what God has shown us. We should walk through our lives knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who carries us; like a father carries his son. We have a Heavenly Father who holds our hand when we are about to fall.
Throughout the Old Testament, the word REMEMBER is used a kajillion times...'cuz we need to be reminded to REMEMBER! ...and still, I keep forgetting to REMEMBER.
I want to allow God to carry me through.
I want to allow Him to order my steps.
I want to rest in His shadow.
I want to believe His word is true.
I want to remember that He and His angels are mighty to perform His word (Psalm 103:20)
Only by the power of the Holy Spirit will I be able to do these things that I say I want to do. Thankfully I have a Helper. (John 14:16) The Holy Spirit abiding in us will bring us to the truth of God, and help us when we call on Him. What a gift we receive when Christ's people, put our faith in God. I am so glad that He is lighting my path, holding my hand and carrying me through.
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