“This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:5-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Disclaimer: What I am about to write is to be used for self-examination, not for judgement of others.

The portion of scripture above in Jeremiah describes the results of a relationship without and with God.

You see, as long as you are “above ground” and breathing you will be presented with all types of scenarios with which to deal. Life brings so many challenges and challengers. How you react and respond to those situations reveals where you stand in connection to the Almighty. How you respond is viewed by others.

Let me repeat for those that might have missed it – Our reaction to everyday life reveals much about our current relationship to God. There are days we pass with flying colors. We look fine and feel fine. Then, there are the other days where we come off as barren and with no hope or signs of life.

Ponder your last difficult days, months, years and your interactions with others…

If you are like me, there have been moments when difficulties have come and your reaction was terrible. I know I’ve been easily offended. I snapped. I hurt someone else in word or action. I trusted in my own strength or the strength or actions of someone else. In most instances those are the times when I have also neglected personal prayer and meditation. Those are the times I have avoided wise counsel. The result – interactions I have with others or the example I have set is not a place of growth and flourishing – just barren.

Then there are times when problems or circumstances have surfaced and I have been able to face and respond in a manner which not only grows my faith, but also the faith of others. I’ve been able to face difficulties. I’ve been able to not give back the negative which was given to me. I know it’s not me or my typical response. It is a response where God gets the credit. Due to time spent with God, as scripture states, “my cup runneth over…” The Glory belongs to Him – not me.

I love the portion of the scripture above that states, “It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” It gives encouragement that even in troubling times our perspective causes us not to worry, we continue to flourish and produce fruit due to in whom we trust.

Hence – Perspective shifts based on proximity.

In contrast scripture also states “That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes.”

Our perspective, or in other words what we see or envision, can be blurry without connection to God. Our whole mindset can be negatively be altered without constant communication. Therefore trust is important because there are times it may not make sense to us or others. Within Proverbs 3:5-8 it states, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.”

The people we trust are usually in close proximity- physically and/or emotionally. Just as it means to trust our earthly family and friends we are to trust God.

Trusting God means that we value Him and what He has to say. Trusting God means that we keep Him close through prayer and meditation. Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Keeping God close produces fruitful results. (Galatians 5) Jeremiah recognized this and wrote the portion of the 17th chapter above. Now, I too encourage you to stay in proximity and be fruitful…
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“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:1-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I think I could write a book on all the valuable nuggets my father, Donald M. Evans, Sr left me. Again, I’m writing to express my grief and loss of the man that had a profound effect on my life. This particular story I mentioned in the introduction of my book, but I really didn’t go into detail.

I was a teen or preteen. I believe it was the summertime because I tended to catch the bus to downtown Wilmington to either have lunch with my Dad or go down to hang out with friends at a lunch spot called the Patio. I would catch a ride back home with my Dad when he got off of work at the federal building around 4:00.

At that time, my Dad parked daily in a lot just below 9th & Walnut Streets. Guys hung out in that lot all day. They looked like they were homeless and drank the day away.

Stark contrast to my pressed and clean father who was a Large Case Manager for the IRS. I always admired him in his perfectly self-shined shoes and was amazed by the sheer numbers of ties he had. His hair was always cut and he was always shaved. Smile – if ever asked what my favorite scent is – the smell of the bathroom of my parents’ house after my Dad got dressed overwhelmed by the fragrant aroma of Royal Copenhagen Musk – his favorite cologne. (I always went in to prepare for school after him.) He looked SHARP and smelled good!

So as a judgemental kid, seeing him not only acknowledge those men I had snubbed in the parking lot, but then tell me to go to the car so he could go over and hold a conversation with them was shocking to me! He talked to one particular man for what seemed a long while. They talked and laughed. They seemed happy to see one another.

When he came back to the car I asked, “Why are you talking to him?” My Dad replied, “There by the grace of God go I. Daphne, that was a good friend of mine growing up in Southbridge. One wrong choice and that could have been me.”

My Dad dropped that nugget of wisdom on me and I’ve never forgot. The internet attributes the quote to a John Bradford who said a phrase similar when he saw prisoners about to be executed. It signifies humbleness and humility.

This interaction with my Dad is probably why I’m passionate about the work I do with children and families. I had a blessed childhood and have a blessed life. My life could have been different. I work with families that might not have the same. I pray I treat them with the respect and dignity that my Dad did with that man that day.

Now, I can equate that wisdom to the scripture Philippians 2;3:

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

My earthly father without verse or scripture modeled a heavenly principle. Oh what a concept to not look down upon folk, but esteem them better and attempt to lift them up!

Let us remember this Donald nugget – There by the grace of God go I. Let us esteem others better than ourselves.

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me…

For thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139:7-10, 13-14 ‭KJV‬‬

My earthly Daddy passed away a few days ago. I FULLY admit, I’m a Daddy’s girl. He loved and spoiled me and I saw him as my wise hero. I have so many fond and funny memories of Donald Evans. I thought it would be appropriate to share this one on my blog. (Y’all know I process things by writing.)

For those who didn’t know my Dad – many times he was a man of few words unless he knew or liked you. Oh, he would speak and be social, but sometimes his facial expressions would scare my friends that didn’t know him well. (He was a softy and a push over actually.) He was a leader of people, but would “pull up beside you individually and tell you stuff.” If he liked or loved you he would drop nuggets of wisdom if you paid attention. (Actually, he would even if he didn’t care for you – it may have come out a little harsher. 🙂)

In my late 20’s, early 30’s I had renewed my relationship with God. Smile – I was on fire!! Two or three services a Sunday, Bible study, choir practices – I was hungry for the Word and the things of God. You couldn’t keep me out of a church building.

We can note here – I am emotional and expressive in church – my Dad, very solemn and thoughtful in his worship. There’s nothing wrong how you praise, as long as you have relationship. As a matter of fact, later in life he wouldn’t sit directly next to me because I “clapped too loud.” (Man, that makes me think of some hilarious stories of him in church.)

😂😂😂

This instance though I remember clearly, it was a beautiful Sunday. At that time my Dad was not inclined to go to church due to a misunderstanding. (He later wouldn’t miss a Sunday.) His Sunday ritual at the time was cutting his grass and tending to his garden. Back then his yard was one of the prettiest in the neighborhood. I loved to see the flower boxes and perfectly trimmed bushes. Along with that splendor, many friends and neighbors would partake of the fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and greens he would harvest.

I stopped by my parent’s home this particular Sunday after church to see my Dad appearing to rest after cutting his grass. It looked like he was admiring his hard work. I parked my car and walked in the yard to greet him.

I think I teased him jokingly saying something like – “You didn’t go to church today?” Then I sat in a lawn chair near him. His response shifted this “church going” girl’s perspective.

He said something to me like. “Daphne I’m having church right now. I’m looking at all of God’s creation and I know He’s with me. Look at the trees, the garden and grass. I’m praising God right now.”

I remember leaving that particular interaction with my Dad smiling and taking note. He often dropped nuggets on me like that to teach me things throughout my entire life…

God used Donald Evans, my Daddy on earth, to teach me about Psalm 139.

You can look for God everywhere and in everything. His creation is all around us. Yes, God’s in the church building, but you can seek Him out and praise him whenever you want. He’s there.

In the tradition and memory of Donald Evans, I leave each of you with this thought/nugget – Don’t forget to take in God’s creation and thank Him. We’re not defined by a place or day to do so…He’s everywhere.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Thank you God for the blessing of my father. Thanks Dad for that revelation and many others in my life…

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Let me set the scene…

I’m a single 55 year old. I haven’t birthed any children – but have been placed in a hard situation where I’m raising 14 and 10 year old girls. (I’m not exactly sure how long this may last.) In addition, my other grandnephews who are 13, 12 and 5 are in close proximity too. I, along with my older brother, share the responsibility of transportation to and from school and school bus stops.

I love children of all ages. I’ve worked with kids of all ages. In comparison, bringing children home every night with me – well let’s just say at times is difficult, I lack the patience I should have. At work I constantly analyze and apply methodology. I put on the hat of trauma informed responses. I coach early childhood professionals. At home I’m so ready to hang that hat up and refuel because I’ve “clocked out.”

I can’t clock out now…

Now I find myself as a guardian experiencing what the parents of children I work with feel. (That’s actually another devotional not written yet on how God puts us in scenarios where we gain new skills like empathy and compassion because we’ve experienced what those we are helping have.)

I digress…

This morning with a car full of my “Grands” I felt God speak to me directly. In a small quiet thought – as three Grands debated some topic in my back seat – God said, You’ve got to reset. You need to reset to gratefulness!

The scripture stated above from Romans came to mind. I need to not adopt a “normal” thought process about this or conform to this world. I need to approach differently and renew my mind from the way I want to handle – to how God wants me to react.

Then Romans 8:28 came along too reminding me that all things work together. This is all in God’s master plan. There’s something for me to learn and some way I need to minister to each of them.

Next, I received:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:3-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I need to be obedient and bring every thought I have in line – definitely when I am thinking waywardly.

You may ask where the concept of gratefulness comes in to play? Well, as I wrote this Philippians 4:4 came in my head. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” In order to truly rejoice it is helpful to be grateful – or in other words – appreciative.

So now I’m rehearsing and meditating:

“This is all in God’s master plan.”

‘Be thankful you have this time with them.”

“There’s something for me to learn through this.”

“I need to prayerfully seek moments to minister or set an example.”

“I’ve got to bring my negative thoughts under subjection.”

My last scripture on which to meditate to reset to gratefulness in this situation:

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

(I wrote this years ago! It was published is in my book I Give You Jesus the Greatest Gift!)

My disclaimer – I’ve lost 8 pounds in a month’s time and have cut back on my some of my favorite foods. Please excuse the descriptiveness. Do not blame me for your run to the refrigerator and/or grocery story or any other binges that may occur… 😀

Take a moment before reading further, close your eyes and think of your favorite meal.

For me, it’s Thanksgiving dinner. Why? All my favorites are right in front of me – Turkey and gravy, ham, my Aunt Nett’s macaroni and cheese, stuffing, greens, string beans, my Aunt Janet’s Jello molds and oh, let’s not get started on the desserts. There are tons of them there but, my Mom and Dad’s apple pie hits the spot.

We have so much left usually plates are left over and the pleasure continues on for several days.

I wish all of you could experience what my family does that day. I wish you could feel all the stimulation to my senses and how content and satisfied I am. Even the single plate of leftovers brings back memories.

I can just imagine how David felt writing Psalm 34. The build up to verse 8 – He felt spiritually as God allows us physically to feel about food. “Every day it’s the same. This is so good. You’ve got to try this! You won’t believe how it feels. Praise God who gave this to me. Join in with me.” It was build up for him to exclaim in verse 8, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

Our experience with God is one that it is so good that we have to share! We can’t help it! The confidence and assurance our faith gives is scrumptious! Our cups – our demeanor and our reaction to circumstances- should be maintained in such manner that it “flows over” – as it states in Psalm 23- to others who see our pleasure/contentment to cause them to desire that presence too.

We encounter so many people that are searching in our crazy lives today. We see people daily who rely on pills, people who rely on finances, people who put their trust in all types of people, places and things. The Bible states in Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

We stand in the assurance that Jesus is our provider – Jehovah Jireh! (Genesis 22:14) In John 6:35 it states, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” And if that isn’t enough proof of the testimonies in the bible, Psalm 107:9 says, “for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

Why would we not want to share what satisfies our hunger and thirst? Why would we not want everyone to feel as we feel? Those are questions to ponder and pray…

Share your faith! Share what sustains you! If you aren’t sure what to say or how to say it, think like David on those things God has done for you. Then seek (go to Sunday School & Bible Study) and you shall find righteousness – for you shall be filled to the point of overflow into others.

I woke this morning in worship of all that God is personally to me.

You are:

My Love, my Hope, my Future.

You are:

My Strength, my Provider, my Rock.

You are:

My Light, my Guide, my Teacher.

You are:

My Healer, my Problem Solver, my Friend.

You are:

My Help, my Counselor, my Armor.

You encourage me. You keep me. I thank You daily for Your Grace. I’m not sure how I would make it without You. A relationship with You is essential to my existence. Your Word I attempt daily to feast on with joy. It corrects and shields me from worldly harm.

YOU are EVERYTHING to me. You are my life.

God is my “I am.”

“Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen.

There are times in life when we must cry out to God! There’s no other way to handle plaguing problems but to pray, praise and acknowledge His Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient ways. Faith and hope exists in your trust in God.

What do you say or pray in this situation?? What do you pray when you have no words?? My answer is….Psalm 121 –

(It’s on repeat in my scripture mediation and in song today.) https://youtu.be/HfH6OOwdqO4 – Donnie Mclurkin Live – My Help

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD,

Which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: The LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth, and even for evermore.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭121:1-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The author of this “Song of Ascent” could be David but there is also belief that these particular verses were sung during various times to encourage those who were singing. 🎶

Regardless of author, this chapter in the book of Psalms acknowledges God and all His roles in our aid in time of trouble. He is the Creator, our Keeper, our Shade and our Preserver in dark and unknown times. Somewhere in the midst of these words of poetry it also reminds us that God is always aware of what is happening in our lives.

He is our help. Call on your Help! I know I am meditating on Psalms 121 in these times…

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

(The musical interlude/inspiration – Martha Munizzi’s – I know the Plans – https://youtu.be/ja2XaS_JeDk)

In unsettling times – there is an expected end.

Currently, I have multiple heavy issues happening. I recognize I’m not the only one. Yes, for most – these are unsettling times. Between the normal life struggles of bills, work, and family, we are in the midst of a pandemic. I’m not sure how you are handling it. I’m just trying to write my way through this…

I don’t know about you but I am confessing – I’M STRESSED!! Stressed to the point of choosing to shut down. I decided last night that I would take a “mental health day” to slow down some and attempt to seek God and hear what He has to say to me.

As I woke this morning the phrase that resonated in my heart and mind was – “an expected end.” I then felt immense relief. God has an expected end for me. He has a plan.

I rolled over and turned to Jeremiah 29 in my Bible app. Here in this book were folk in captivity. A people who were moved from what they were accustomed to an unknown land. (Yeah, they had done some stuff to get there. I’m sure we have too.) Basically, they were unsettled, rattled, and probably feeling a plethora of emotions.

Sound familiar?

As I read, I began to see what God spoke to them could also apply to me. Hopefully this will help you too.

First our Omnipotent God let them know He’s in control. He caused them to be in that place/situation.

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He then told them do what they would normally do to care and keep themselves. He let them know that even in the place they were, they would not diminish – but increase. (GLORY!)

“Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God told them to seek for and then be in peace through prayer. Don’t seek out or gravitate to the chaos and confusion that can come in unsettled times.

“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God warned them – don’t be fooled or bamboozled by foolishness.

“For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:8-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He let them know in His time things will be better…

“For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God then spoke the words to them which give me a large portion of peace and rest I am experiencing right now.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:10-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He has an expected end for me. He has an expected end to all of this for you. Hold on, keep the faith and be encouraged!

“Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.”

“Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18:3-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In elementary school me and a few friends were bused to Christina Cultural Arts Center’s old location on Church street in Wilmington to learn how to create art projects with clay. I learned various techniques to manipulate and shape the material into works of art of which I was proud. (My mom displayed my coil piece well into my 40’s in her living room. I better check, it may still be on a shelf in her house…)

Before attempting to work with the clay I vividly remember “throwing” it to get out all the air bubbles which if left within would ruin what we developed.

In those lessons, the pottery wheel fascinated me the most! I didn’t master it, but watching those who could was amazing. Our instructor could take our mess and turn it into a successful endeavor – molding, shaping, and applying pressure at the right times. There were times though, that our piece of clay creation was not able to be salvaged and many times she’d ball it up and say, “start over” with the same lump of earth.

The lessons learned from the pottery classes make me reflect on concepts which are emphasized in Jeremiah 18.

We are in God’s hands.

There are times in our lives when we are completely overwhelmed, thrown, out of place, in unfamiliar territory or even shattered! We are BROKEN – feeling as though you can’t pull any or all the pieces together. You feel emotional, revealing, and vulnerable due to life situations all around you.

If you haven’t had those moments, seconds, hours, years – I have! I wasn’t sure what to do or where to turn…

In the midst of these times we need to recognize- God is shaping/molding us by doing “a new thing.” As Marvin Sapp sings – He has His Hands On You!”

The book of Isaiah gives us more assurance of being recreated by God.

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:18-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Those unsure times are God’s opportunity to – just as my teacher urged – create something new, view or adjust from a different angle, and apply pressure in just the way needed to change.

The challenge for us – to yield and learn as new/changed/repurposed clay.

In my own challenges I’ve discovered results on the other side. I was sick and then put on oxygen. Now I’m a strong and confident witness of God the Healer. I quit a job without a job along with later surviving a natural disaster. I’m now able to firmly speak of God as the Provider. Often heartbroken, disappointed with people, let down and single, I’m now able to talk about the God of love, strength, forgiveness and reconciliation who in turn is continuing to teach me to abide and dwell.

It’s not always easy to go through the process of being broken. It’s painful. It’s uncertain. It’s even harder when we resist. The path is much easier if we yield to His way of molding us. It takes disciplined prayer and study while in His hands as clay to gain new skills and perspective.

At times it is hard to see the greatness of the vessel/project during the process but – by the end what the creator has in mind is clear.

It’s been a rough year, for me personally and for many around me.

As a partial personal list beyond pandemic concerns – My parents are aging, having health issues and depending on me more heavily. I was a part of a natural disaster that I didn’t think would affect me the way it has for as long as it has. I had major cut backs in the contracts my business had secured. In the midst of all that, a lady hit my car out of no where. Honestly, the last 6 months have been exhausting and difficult.

The scripture I’ve recited, read, and meditated on in the last several weeks is Psalm 91. I’ve read the whole psalm most days, but for this pouring of words is verses 1-6.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91:1-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I was not surprised that Moses may have penned these words that David compiled into the psalm or song. It is a song of assurance. It is a song of endurance. It is a song of trust and faith.

Moses with all his struggles would surely be able to recount abiding in God’s secret place and the strength that accompanies being there. He dwelled there – resided or spent time in God’s presence. He had conversations with God. It was two-way. It was intimate and intensely personal. He maintained his relationship with God in close proximity there. Through this psalm he expressed his experience as not only a follower of God, but as a leader trusting in what looked like uncertain circumstances. He specifically shared with us his confidence.

Moses had firsthand knowledge of being protected by night and guided during the day. He had the experience of God fighting his battles with thousands falling by the wayside. He witnessed the waters parting and walked on dry land to safety.

What we know that Moses didn’t at that time – that his testimony would still stand strong today. His dwelling in God’s secret place proved to be effective. Utilizing God as his refuge kept him and delivered him. It wasn’t a quick fix – but God came through at the end.

This psalm teaches us to remain persistent in our faith and trust in adversity. The psalm helps us to find the time to dwell and abide and remain prayerful. It reminds us to find our hiding place to have time in God’s presence. Not only will the mighty one protect us, but also those around us.

Moses’ speech was not eloquent, but he led the “stiff-necked” Israelites out of bondage. Don’t be discouraged by your limitations- just dwell. Psalm 91 is the assurance that God has your back even in the thick of struggles and when you may not feel qualified.

Psalm 91 is encouragement through Moses’ experiences to find that comfy place under the shield of God’s wings where we can trust and we are safe. Soon others will see our testimony and draw strength just as we draw strength from Moses.