Grace on a Thursday: Shelter

It's already Thursday? What did I even DO this week?

Let's take a little inventory.

I kept up on my 40 days project (see #12 in that post). I made a giant pot of homemade spaghetti sauce. I did exactly one load of laundry, and that was the dog's bedding since I found it wet with a mystery wetness. I did the special exciting project with the kids that I have YET to tell you about. And I had a lot to say. This may be the first week ever that I've blogged five days in a row.

But at one point in my week, I felt a little distant from God, as one can get simply from busyness, from ordinary life getting in the way. When I realized it, I took a moment to reflect on how the distance felt. I suppose in a word, I felt exposed, as in unsafe or vulnerable. I had wandered out on my own for a bit. It kind of relates to my feelings from yesterday. But in that same moment of reflection, something in my memory whispered,

"Draw near to me, and I will draw near to you."
James 4:8

God was beckoning me to His side so that I would be safe.

I liken it to the way I call my child to my side when I see he or she is in potential danger. If you're a parent, you know what I mean. Danger doesn't even have to mean speeding cars in a nearby street. There are times when I just want my children at my side. I need to know that they are with me, accounted for, under my charge. If they are next to me, then I know they are safe. When we are out in public, the minute they disappear from my sight, my mind and body go on heightened alert until I know where they are.

My heavenly Father is a perfect parent, and I think He must feel the same way about His children. A huge benefit of being His child is certainly His protection.

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 from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 91:1-4

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-16

In His shelter, that is where I want to stay. Close enough that His shadow falls over me, hides me under his wing.

I look around and notice many people don't seem to have a refuge. They try to create places to hide, no doubt. But those places aren't truly safe. They're lonely.

In His grace, God offers something so much better: true acceptance, unconditional love without condemnation, and a shelter in time of need.

I've learned to lean into my Father's shadow when I get off course because I'm known there. I'm treated gently, I'm encouraged, I'm strengthened. The more I live under "the shelter of the Most High," the more I long for it.

On this ordinary Thursday, lets both accept His invitation, a gift of grace, and draw near.