Overwhelmed with work and tired from a busy weekend of ministry, I couldn’t stop the tears when I came home to a leak in the kitchen ceiling of our new house. Hardly an insurmountable problem, especially since our house is under warranty, I still felt my vulnerability anew. Not only had we recently encountered the challenges of moving to a new town, we had also faced considerable pushback from our neighbors for having a Bible study in our home. So as I watched each drip fall from the bulging sheetrock onto the tile floor, I longed for something to be easy.
Sometimes we simply need to be reminded: God has us covered. Psalm 33:20 says, “We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.” And Psalm 33:18 declares that He “watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.”
The psalmist used the powerful description of God being our shield to describe the fullness of His protection. Moved by love, He faithfully watches over us (Psalm 33:18). We can go face-to-face with the enemy in the confidence that God is with us and that He alone can provide our rescue (Psalm 33:19).
We might reason that the right circumstances, others’ choices, or the appropriate resources would keep us from hardship. But to make our victory dependent on these things is to place our hope in the warhorse and the armor (Psalm 33:16-17)—empty provisions at best. Instead, we trust in Him: “In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD” (Psalm 33:21-22). Our Deliverer doesn’t just fight on our behalf; He holds us close, and we’re safe in His arms (Deuteronomy 33:12).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 14:13-36
More:
Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-18 to see how our choice to praise the Lord in all things can turn the outcome of the battle.
Next:
How can little struggles add up to a stronghold of discouragement? Why is it important for us to face struggles with the knowledge that we’re safe in God’s care?
Sandy on July 17, 2014 at 6:13 am
When I read your words, I wanted to muster together a circle of friends to give you a group hug. All I could think of was “Come to me…and you will find rest…”
I am praying for the Franklins that God will give you favor with your neighbors and rest from being weary in well doing. My heart goes out to you. Lord Jesus, bless!
Gene on July 17, 2014 at 7:21 am
Just this week I answered “Joy” as the most challenging fruit of the Sprit in the ODJ survey. We have so much in the LORD and he does have us covered! Unfailing love, a shield, ultimate understanding. It’s no wonder why the psalmist encourages us to sing for joy. Thanks, Regina, for the reminder that we are in God’s care in and out of life’s struggles.
Gary Shultz on July 17, 2014 at 8:24 am
Like Sandy, it would great if we could reach out with some tangible tool of comfort, but as you, we can only express our care for one of our “Blessed Bloggers” in electronic words. Sometimes I think God wants to share Himself “only” at times when we seek some other avenue. You’re on the first chapter of this thing one can never tell how the story will unfold. There are people out here that really like you and a big God.
tommyb1 on July 17, 2014 at 9:19 am
Thank you Regina. May the Lord Bless and keep your household. May he open the eyes of your neighbors to His love that flows through you and yours, in Jesus Love..
poohpity on July 17, 2014 at 11:51 am
What a victory is ours when we no longer find safety, security or peace in the temporal. When circumstances no longer consume us and we can then say, “It is Well With My Soul” knowing that God is in control no matter what happens. Thanking God you have a roof, a home, a job, the physical ability to do things to get tired and the freedom to study God’s Word. You are certainly richly blessed.
alli on July 17, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Needed this when everything is difficult..little things..big things..sometimes you wanna quit. This is helpful thnks
Regina Franklin on July 17, 2014 at 7:33 pm
Alli and Gene–Thanks for sharing! I love this version of 2 Corinthians 12:9b–“My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [a]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [b]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” May your courage grow as you trust in the tent of His strength over you.
Regina Franklin on July 17, 2014 at 7:25 pm
Dear ODJ family,
I am so grateful for your words of encouragement and prayers, and I definitely felt the “hug” in the extension of your hearts. I look forward to keeping you updated in future entries as the Lord leads. Being a church planter’s wife is an entirely new venture for me, but I am learning in a new way what it means to experience His daily bread as we nurture this growing church. Yes, Poohpity, we are deeply blessed indeed.
mleue on July 18, 2014 at 1:42 pm
Thank you.
Mike Wittmer on July 18, 2014 at 3:06 pm
God bless you and your family, Regina! I have noticed in my own life that sometimes it’s the small things that get me down, I think for the reason you gave. Why do even the small things have to be so hard?
Winn Collier on July 30, 2014 at 3:05 pm
“God has us covered.” That’s such good news.