My Great Protector, You are the refuge to whom I run when tough times come upon me. Your message of fear not or be not dismayed, when unexpected obstacles come up in my life, encourages me to remain patient, persevere, and stand my ground. I know that Your awesome power will uphold me when troubles come to take me down. Whenever I call out to You, I know You are standing by me to leverage Your strength in overcoming whatever I am facing. The last thing I want to do is flee from You in terror because in doing so I remove myself from safety. You are my landing place when I have done combat with the enemies of my soul. You are the One who shelters me from harm and gives me hope in moving forward. When troubles surround me, I know You set me on higher ground where I can better defend myself. As a mother gathers her children close to protect them, I know You will also protect me.
Though I sometimes walk in darkness Your abundant light shines to show me a better way. I trust that You will lead me each day … and, if You lead me, I cannot go astray. When I am weak and I need Your strength, I have faith that You will support me in my darkest hour. Help me through the times when my struggles are hard to overcome. When I am unsure of which path to take, I entrust myself to You and know that You will get me to where I am to go. When I feel lost, I reach out to touch Your hand and it gives me the support and comfort I need to know I am safe. As I choose, each day, to serve You and remain faithful to my calling, I believe that You will also be faithful to me. To protect me from harm You have surrounded me with a hedge to keep me safe. You are my Dwelling Place where I can find peace and a refuge from the storms. Lead me so I do not stumble along the way.
Whenever I become fearful and feel my faith waning, I reflect on the story about the time when You left a crowd in a boat with Your disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee. Soon after departing, a storm came up and threatened to swamp the boat you were in. While this was happening, You were at the back of the boat napping. The disciples cried out to You “Teacher do you care if we drown?” When You awoke You rebuked the wind and said to the waves “Quiet! Be still!!” Then the wind died down and the water was calm. At this You questioned them asking “Why were you afraid? Do you not still have faith?” I know sometimes I panic and my faith wanes. When storms arise in my life, I reflect on this story, and I am reminded that I can always turn to You. I no longer want to consider that You do not care for me. I want to put my trust in You and let the chips fall where they may. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!
Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.