Safe and Sound

Several days ago, I met a good friend at a local restaurant. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed storm clouds in the distance. I checked to make sure both our car windows were up and went on in to find her. We enjoyed a long chat. She shared what God was doing in her life. I talked about some of the happenings in my own.

As we sat and visited, the storm rolled in. The sky outside the window grew increasingly dark. The winds picked up and the rains beat down. Once, the lights inside the restaurant flickered off and we sat in darkness for a few seconds. However, the storm outside did not interrupt our conversation at all. We remained secure and dry in the safety of the restaurant. After our hour had expired and the storm had passed, I left my friend feeling encouraged and refreshed.

As I drove home, I was shocked at the amount of damage caused by the storm. Roads were blocked from uprooted trees and power lines had fallen. Houses were missing sections of roof and vehicles sat crunched under broken limbs. I had to take a lengthy detour just to get to my house. From the looks of the damage, it was clear tornado-like winds had accompanied the storm through our small town.

I smiled at how oblivious my friend and I had been to the dangers around us. We had watched the storm from a safe place. It had not produced undo stress or worry. We felt protected.

My relationship with God is also a safe place. Like most, I have watched numerous storms roll into my life. Not just refreshing rain showers, but violent storms capable of causing lasting damage. Yet, when I rest in the safety my heavenly Father provides, He shelters me from the dangers and stress of life. He provides a safe and secure place to wait out the storm. I experience peace in the protection He provides.

My Father also blesses me with Godly friendships that provide a similar safety. I am so grateful for the relationships He has planted in my life. Friends to provide encouragement and support. Girlfriends that will challenge me, correct me, and speak Truth as they counsel me. People who love me through my mistakes and provide a safe place for me to be real and expose my brokenness.

Where do you turn when you see dark clouds approaching? Do you know that Jesus awaits with open arms to pull you into safety? Cry out to Him and He will hear your call. He desires to provide your every need.

Are you already secure in a relationship with Christ? If so, there is no need to search for any other means of protection. He is all you need. Rest in Him until the storm clouds pass you by. His arms provide safety and warmth, peace and protection, and above all, love and eternal life.

How lovely is Your dwelling place, LORD of Hosts.
Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young-
near Your altars, LORD of Hosts, my King and my God.
How happy are those who reside in Your house, who praise you continually. Selah.
Psalm 84:1,3-4

The Highlights

In reading through the Bible this year, I recently started through the long lists of OT kings that led the divided nation of Israel. At the same time, my study partner, Susan, and I were studying the kings. Susan and I agreed the names can be confusing and hard to pronounce. The dates of their reigns seem to overlap and we couldn't seem to keep them all straight. But, in spite of my confusion, God was able to teach me a valuable lesson.

Susan was quick to point out the following things. Many times in Scripture God gives us a detailed description of a life. With these many kings, that didn't seem to be the case. What she did notice was that God gave the same information for the many kings listed. He thought it important to share with us the highlights.

What God was purposeful in sharing was the following things:
- The dates and major details of their reigns.
- The major battles each faced, listing defeats and victories.
- Their use (or misuse) of the power He gave them.
- Thier faithfulness or lack thereof.

As we sat and discussed these facts, we realized that it was this same information that mattered most in our lives. While I am busy living life from day to day, I gander the heavenly scribes are making notes on the important highlights of my life. In between the dates of my birth and death, I'm sure they are recording the major battles I have faced. I pray I have experienced more victories than defeats. Sometimes it is hard to step back and let Him fight for me. I'm now convinced they are recording how I use the power He has given me. I long to show myself a worthy parent, friend and leader. He has placed many in my path of influence and I need to be continually aware of the power that brings. And, finally, I hope to remain faithful, no matter what life seems to throw my way.

More than any earthly crown, I want to earn a crown of righteousness on that great judgement day. When God looks back over the highlights of my life, I hope His heart is filled with pride and His face breaks into a smile. I wait to hear Him say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."