Places

We’re never safer or more secure than in the presence of our Father. He’s the only One who promises that we’ll get through the storm.

 

Places.

All the places in our personal history are recorded in the nooks and crannies of our minds and souls. Good places, scary places, pleasant places… they’re all bookmarked.

There is a ‘place’ on Highway 97 in southern Oregon where we crested a mountain pass in a nighttime blizzard with virtually no visibility. The terror of that two lane ‘place’ still sends shivers through my soul!

By contrast, the blue skies and waters and warm temperatures of Kauai created a ‘place’ with much different memories. Treated to a week in this paradise by amazing friends, it still leaves a warmth in my heart and head.

There are places of great delight and places of profound joy and security and love. Other places hold hurts whose memories still stir a part of me that I’d rather not visit.

Last week I admitted to being in just such a ‘place’ and I wrote of my concerns about political things going on and a temporary reversal of how my body was reacting to those concerns. I was being honest and transparent and many of you encouraged me.

That’s what friends do and I thank you.

But I’m back again and doing much better because I’ve been to one of my favorite ‘places’ since then! And I’m recommending a trip there for any of you who need it.

It’s ‘the quiet place’ that songwriter Ralph Carmichael wrote about in the late 1960s. As the song said, “There is a quiet place, far from the rapid pace where God can sooth the troubled mind.”

Chaotic times call for unusual rest. There must be times when we can hear and respond to God’s Word to us as fears mount and blood pressures rise. We’re told by external sources to be afraid. God says to trust Him and ‘not be afraid.’ (Isaiah 41:10-12) Natural sources tell us we’re going down in flames. God says that underneath are his everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)

No one knows what’s going to happen; God says, “I do.” We ask, “But are there enough resources to see us through?” God’s answer, “Absolutely.”

We talk a good talk. Now it’s time to walk a confident walk. Let this passage help…

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”

Psalm 91:1-4 NLT

 

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