Quiet Moments With God -- In the Shadow of the Almighty

It's been nearly thirty years since our eight month old daughter, Kristina, was admitted to the hospital, comatose and near death. Spinal meningitis was the diagnosis. I remember standing beside the hospital crib stunned, my heart breaking. Her hands were tied to the sides of the crib; tubes protruded from various places on her body, and she occasionally let out a pitiful sound that resembled a cry. Sorrow overwhelmed me.

While my husband and I kept a vigil friends came to support and pray with us. Their presence and love were the hands of God. One dear friend shared a scripture that I've never forgotten. Psalm 91:1-7 says, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."

God's Word sustained me. I clung to those verses and in the midst of darkness there was light. We didn't know if our daughter would live or die, but we felt God's presence and His peace. He was our refuge.

Kristi made it, and three years later she shared something with me that rocked me right down to my toes. She told me about a time when she was dying (and said it had been a long, long time ago). She explained that she was afraid, but then Jesus came to her and He held her on his lap and she wasn't afraid any more.

Even as an infant she fought to live. And when Jesus came to her she knew Him and found peace in the midst of her greatest struggle.

My family has faced many battles since that time. There are moments when I want to give up, believing that this time it's just too hard. And then I remember a tiny little girl who found strength in God's presence.

God will never let us down. He is always near. We can rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Rest in Him

These are difficult days. The news is filled with stories of hardship and predictions of worse to come. In my own community many struggle just to put food on the table. This week, there were only a handful of job openings listed in our local newspaper. Many who are nearing retirement have seen their investments dwindle and now wonder what will become of them in their retiring years. Those who are still working question if they will have a job tomorrow.

As believers in Christ what should we do? Wring our hands and pace the floor, fearing what will become of us? I must admit that I’ve had some sleepless nights. But in truth these circumstances we find ourselves in are an opportunity to demonstrate our faith, to experience God’s goodness and mercy. He promises to care for his children. Do we trust him? Do we walk timidly or with courage?

Dear ones, He has not forgotten us. His eyes have not lost sight of us. Psalm 139:1 – 4 says, "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”

Clearly God is with us. There is no reason to fear. Even when He sets us down in the middle of a tempest we’re not alone. He will provide peace in the midst of the storms of life.

God will do as He wills. Our task is to hang on to the one who knows all things and trust in His perfect will.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie