My wife and I were chatting a few days ago as we were getting ready for work. We were discussing how comical it is that our children get up and get ready for school/daycare but somehow end up in our bed where they stay until it’s time to go. This happens (almost) on a daily basis. For some reason they find comfort being there. I remember my own childhood and doing the same thing. There was something special about climbing into my parents bed and pulling the covers up. Or, sometimes, I would ask my Dad if I could borrow one of his t-shirt’s to wear to bed. I had pajama’s but there was always something special about wearing that shirt. Though it had been washed it somehow smelled like him. He always wore the same kind of cologne and the smell never quite left his shirt even after a round in the washing machine. Even though that shirt didn’t have any special powers, when I was wearing it, I felt protected. I felt a like I had on a bulletproof jacket of some sort. It was the same way with the bed. I just felt like no one could get to me there. I knew my Dad’s presence meant protection from anything and everything. He was my own personal super hero. And now, my children seem to have that same mindset.
That feeling of protection is a powerful thing. Even in the worst of circumstances there’s this sense that everything will be okay and there’s no need to worry. My pastor has recently been preaching on the importance of abiding in the presence of God. He has actually started asking our staff periodically, “Are you abiding?” Study of the word abide in Strong’s Concordance reveals the definition to mean to lodge, remain, rest, or dwell. Sometimes I catch myself abiding simply out of necessity. When life gets hard I run to Daddy-God for protection. Then there are other times I’ve been eating my Wheaties and I don’t feel like I need Him so and I don’t run to Him as often. I have this belief that I’m strong enough to do it on my own so I step out from under His covering. He desires a close and personal relationship with me, while I’m simply treating him like a drive-thru window — “Hey, God! Can you fix this for me?!?” I’m learning the importance of abiding in God even when things are going great. Psalms 91:1-4 states, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” When you’re abiding in His shadow those steps of faith don’t seem to be as scary as you realize He’s there with you. When you’re in the middle of a panic attack, His presence is there to get you through it. When you’re going through a terrible situation that seems hopeless you are still able to find hope because He’s still there with you. Even better, when things are going well there’s still this realization, should you need Him, He’s already there as long as I stay in His shadow. Are you abiding today?
Closing remarks and encouragement: To abide in His shadow requires you to remain close to Him at all times. Independence and the ability to take care of yourself is a good thing to aspire to. But not when it comes to your relationship with the Master. When you move out of His shadow, you move away from His umbrella of protection. Stay close to Him!
Have a blessed week, my friends!