“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
Psalms 91:1-4
Rattlesnake hunting was never on my list of dreams when I was growing up. But somehow, it’s become an annual adrenaline rush that strengthens a bond between Chip and I in ways that stretch my faith and trust in him.
You see, as Chip wrangles the snake from the den to the pen (an everyday metal trash can), it’s my job to hold the can steady as he drops the writhing and often really ticked off snakes, just feet from my face, into their new temporary home. Although, I put the lid of the can between me and him while the danger looms in front of me, I still must have a lot of faith and trust in my husband, that he will get that snake where it belongs.
And whether it’s with our husband, our friends, or even with our Almighty loving Father, it’s so very hard to trade our fears for our faith and let go of the emotions that hold us back from opportunities to grow.
Human nature tempts us to cling to fear, allowing it to paralyze us and rob us of our purpose and joy. It could be fear of failure, fear of moving out of our comfort zone, fear because we don’t understand, or just plain fear of the unknown. But we don’t have to cave to our fears, because God promises to conquer them.
Not to say that you should always dispel fear. It does have it’s benefits of common sense and discernment. But when we allow fear to keep us from moving forward and experiencing all that life has in store for us, we allow the enemy to dispel the Power that God has to love us and to experience the building blocks of faith and trust in Him.
God promises to rescue us, to protect us, and to save us when we trust Him to help. This might not always mean that nothing bad will ever happen. But it does mean that we don’t have to fear the bad things happening, because He will be in the midst when it does.
God promises that no weapon formed against us will prosper. Does that mean there will never be any conflict revolved around us or our decisions? No. What it means is that we don’t have to be fearful of the people who accuse us. He will be there to fight for us and with us. He will hide us behind His shield of faith allowing us to prosper in His grace.
That peace that passes all understanding? When you experience that in the midst of turmoil and worry and sorrow – that is a comforting promise fulfilled from the Holy Spirit of God.
And He promises that when we trust Him, all things are possible! We don’t have to let fear stop up because we think that we can’t or that we don’t know enough, or that we will never be able to. Because guess what? He can, He does, and He is! He will make it happen if we let Him give it a try through us.
God’s Power brings us purpose, and when we are living for His purpose we have nothing to fear. Every time we allow God to work in us, we win a battle. And with every victory we build steps of faith. And with every step we move closer to the One who holds our future.
We don’t have to hold a lid in front of us when the enemy is near. We can actually stand strong and rejoice! Because God is our protection and we know that we are safe in the arms of a loving Father.
How can you allow God to stretch your faith and trust in His promises today?
“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!”
Psalms 32:7-11 NLT
