Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Shelter of His Wings


More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. - Romans 5:3-4


Are you dealing with troubles, suffering, or like me, health issues? When I got the cancer diagnosis in 2005, I started down a road that I had no idea I would be going down. Since that time, I've had one health issue after another, and if it wasn't me, it was my husband or son. Not only that, but finances have been tight and we've also dealt with other difficult issues in our lives.  The Scripture from Romans has really become my life verse. I know that whatever the Lord allows in my life, He is allowing it to produce endurance, character and hope in me. My walk with the Lord is stronger and more vital now than it ever was before my cancer. I wouldn't change any of the things that have happened to me because, through each of those trials, I have clung to the Lord, strived to know Him better and, hopefully, been a light to others who are going through many of the same things I have and am going through. 


It's not always easy. Yesterday, for example, I had a horrible day of pain. I have been doing quite well lately and it seems harder on me when I do get those days of pain that bring me to my knees and bring the tears to my eyes. I also find myself being attacked by satan with levels of fear that I will end up where I was almost 2 years ago in that excruiciating pain that just had me so down and crippled. I have to really pray and asks the Lord to protect me from these thoughts because they can really take me down and take my focus off the fact of how far the Lord has brought me and how much He has healed me. I was so incredibly blessed, too, that my oldest son prayed over me twice today, asking the Lord for healing and for protection. There is nothing more blessed than having your children pray for you and knowing that they love the Lord with all their heart. God really is there for me and for you in all the situations that are difficult. He may allow certain things to happen, but never forget, He is also protecting you from things that you aren't even aware of. He loves you and me and is covering us with his wings. 


There are so many precious Scriptures in Psalms that refer to the Lord covering us with his wings:
      
     Psalms 17:8-9 - Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.


     Psalms 36:7 - How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 


     Psalms 57:1-2 - Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 

     Psalms 61:1-4 -  Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

     Psalms 63:6-8 - When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

     Psalms 91:1-4   He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.   will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.  

God truly does give us a refuge. He is faithful to be with us through all the things that we deal with on a day to day basis. Everything that we go through is another opportunity to grow closer to Him. I always say that we would be going through these things regardless of whether we knew the Lord or not, but what comfort to know that I am not going through these things alone. I have a living God who covers me with His wings, gives me shelter under His wings, and comforts me like nothing else ever could. Praise God that He is there and never leaves me! He is there for you and never leaves you! Our God is an awesome God who loves us so much!

Dear Lord: I praise you for who you are. You are the One true God. You are our Creator. You knew us and knitted us in our mother's womb. You know the number of hairs on our head! I pray that you would be with the person who is reading this right now. I pray that you would comfort them and make them aware of your Presence in their life. I know that you care so much for all of us and that you love the person that has come by my blog today. I know they are not here by accident and I pray that you would show your glory in their life and help them to feel the love you have for them. I pray that whatever we are going through, that it would be used for our good and your glory! Thank you, Lord, that you shelter us under your wings. Thank you for your unfailing love and I pray that we would grow closer to you through our suffering. I pray for relief for the trials that we are going through in your timing. We trust you, Lord, knowing that you care for us. I pray this through your Precious Son, Jesus. Amen

I pray that you have a blessed Sunday and that you will spend time with the Lord every day getting to know Him better.

God bless you - Julie 


3 comments:

  1. Beautiful words to read this morning. I did find comfort in your gentle reminder.

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  2. You are such an encourager, praying for you.

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  3. Just the things I needed today. Thank you.

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