Sheltered

You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:9,10 (New American Standard Bible)

This is a verse God speaks over the lives of His children. I am touched and taken back by such extravagant declarations. I have found comfort in people when they have walked with me through valleys and trials. I drank in their reassurance of prayers and willingness to see me through situations. But as precious as that is, it doesn't compare with these words spoken by my heavenly Father.

As I read His words, they are so personal. I feel they were written just for me. They were meant to reassure me of His presence, love, and involvement in my life and my family's life. His pronouncement of who we are and what He will do arrest my very soul. We belong to Him and He takes care of His own.

I want His words to get into the deepest part of me. I want them to be neon lights against the blackness of circumstances. I want all worries and anxieties to bow before their powerful message. I want to hold them up as a shield against doubts, rejection, and the unknown.

I heard a song once that had a phrase that comforts me. "If it weren't for the storms I would never call You my Shelter." So true! I sense God's whispers to me as He quiets my heart with words of assurance and promise.

I wish I could paint. I picture a scene in my mind that I would love to transfer to a canvas. It is an outdoor scene. Jesus is holding a small child on His lap. His arms not only embrace her, they completely enfold her. All I can see is her face. Her eyes show trust instead of fear. Her head is pressed against His chest as she listens to His heartbeat. The sky is dark with storm clouds. The wind is apparent which tells of an approaching storm. A forest scene nearby reveals wolves crouched in a predator position. But she feels safe. His arms hold her, His voice comforts her, and His heartbeat invites her to abide under the shadow of his wings. If I could paint this scene I would entitle it "Sheltered."

Father, I hear Your voice, I feel Your arms, and I do feel safe. Amen.


Praise You In The Storm - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw

Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith!