haven

You who live in the shelter of
the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the LORD, "My refuge and
my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust."
Because you have made the LORD
your refuge,
the Most High your dwelling place,
no evil shall befall you,
no scourge come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning
you
to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against
a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you
will trample under foot.
Those who love me,
I will deliver;
I will protect those who
know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer
them;
I will be with them in trouble,
I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16)

Ah, the comfort of going home at the end of the day - our condo, our apartment, our house - where we can shut out the world, take off that mask we wear during the day, slip into our comfortable jeans/slippers/robe, and just be ourselves. Our favorite beverage, our favorite show or program, our favorite book; what can be better than this? Where can we feel more comfortable; more protected?

When is the last time you saw God as that place, that refuge, that home? If never, why not make right now the first time?

For God longs to be your haven, God longs to protect you, God longs to be your comfort. You may not encounter any lions day-to-day, but there are those folks who 'roar' at you, who would devour your life if given the chance. And while you may not trip over any serpents as you walk through life, there are those snakes-in-the-grass who are hiding in wait for you along your journey.

In such moments, simply call out to God. for God is just waiting to respond, "I am here; you are under my protection."

© 2013 Thom M. Shuman