Hi friends! I started this post when we were first settling into the spring season and now here we are officially in summer and just finished celebrating America! In North Texas, we welcomed summer with excessive heat warnings several days in a row. We aren’t surprised though, are we? That’s the Texas way.
Often times, spring and even summer in Texas means severe weather potential. I actually think we had a very mild spring as far as thunderstorms are concerned but they have seemed to be more frequent these last few weeks. Recently, we had a storm roll through with lots of rain and very strong winds that could be heard through our apartment fireplace. As he usually always does, our sweet dog Capp took off down the hallway. As soon as he heard that first gust of wind, he was gone. Not only did he disappear to the hallway, but he was literally shaking in his fur. Bless his little heart.
The uncertainty, the shift in his surroundings, the unknowns, were all scary for him. I remember saying to him, “Capp! It’s okay buddy. You’re safe.” He had my words and my presence to comfort him and yet it didn’t seem to help. I picked him up and loved on him and within a few seconds, he jumped back down and went straight for the hallway again! I thought to myself, If only he knew that he was safe and protected.
And then…I realized…how often I am Capp.
When the storms of life roll in, I tend to respond in similar ways. I often get anxious or worried over a shift in my surroundings or my circumstances. When the future is filled with unknowns, it is very easy to want to run and hide! I can’t see what’s ahead or even fully understand what is happening in the present… and far too often I let my worries and fears run wild.
All the while, Jesus is near. He can see the whole picture and He can be trusted with it. Just like Capp had my presence and words to comfort him… so Jesus has given me His very presence (Holy Spirit) and His faithful words (The Bible) to comfort me! Am I ever more safe and protected than when I am sheltered in Christ?
“The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust: He himself will rescue you from the bird trap, from the destructive plague. He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.”
Psalms 91:1-4
This passage promises protection and safety for those who walk in nearness to Christ. Does it mean nothing bad will ever happen to us? Of course not. But ultimately, our soul is secure in Him, for all of eternity. I mean, isn’t that the ultimate security?! Praise Him for salvation. 🙌🏼 It also means that we can rest in Him, knowing personally His care, guidance, comfort, and protection. Truly we are safe with Him!
The passage of Scripture shared above is full of goodness and I encourage you to study it further for yourself. There is so much depth to it (and all of Scripture!) Maybe I’ll revisit the passage in a later post. But for now I simply want to share several other Scripture references that help remind us that we are safe with Him.
- Psalm 9:9
- Psalm 62:2
- Proverbs 18:10
- Isaiah 26:3
- Psalm 55:22
- Psalm 4:8
- Psalm 32:7
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3
- 1 John 2:25
Even as I sit here finishing up this blog post, it’s raining outside and the flashes of lightning are seeping through the cracks in the blinds. Capp has once again disappeared down the hallway and our other pup Chino is sleeping hard, I’m not even sure he knows there is a storm. (What a way to live!) I can’t help but think of the correlation between both dogs and their reactions and my tendency to respond in similar fashions (usually like Capp!) during the storms of life.
Oh that I might walk in such nearness to my Savior that I learn to be still, calm, and restful even through the difficulties of this life. Not because of who I am but because of who Jesus is in my life — my sure, faithful, steady, Shield & Protector.
What a beautiful promise, as we navigate the challenges of this life, that we are both now and forever, safe with Him.
Aimee Rene’ 