THE SHELTER OF THE LIVING GOD
Psalm 125:1-2
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore.”
The previous devotion, Faith Walk, dares God’s kids to trust God’s indwelling Spirit to lead us in life. That sounds weird, though. If we mention this “dangling from a tree limb” adventure, non-believers won’t understand. “Why?” is one expected comment we’re challenged to answer. How can Believers appear realistic in this fallen world?
Maybe we don’t the mention sanctification [sank-tif-i-KA-shon] process aloud? After all, transforming Believers into Christ-likeness takes our lifetimes. Jesus loves us too much to stop daring us to grow. Believers aren’t scaredy-cats. We take up Jesus’ challenge!
Faith walking grows our faith. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? Faith walking is Spirit-led, heading where we can’t see with our eyes. That’s adventure!
If people want safety, they should have remained inside mom’s womb. Where’s the excitement in that? We dared to be born and now we’re “out there” in the big cruel, yet awesome world. Our heavenly Father understands that we came from dust. Jesus understands the challenges and trials we endure—YET—He dared to be born, too!
The shelter of the Living God offers Believers the best of both worlds. We are safe, yet we enjoy the adventure and excitement of living by faith, led by God’s Spirit. Daily trials wear people down. We search for a place where we’re welcome. A place where we can just be still and safe.
Our minds can take a break and flee to God’s shelter.
God’s shelter is real. Like the pillars of clouds surrounding the children of Israel in the desert, God’s shelter welcomes His kids 24/7. Check out a map of the Middle East to see how God protects His Jewish nation of Israel. The tiny country of Israel is surrounded by hostile enemies on all sides except one. There, she is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea.
The surrounding Arab world is 800 times larger than Israel. Now, check out Israel’s capital of Jerusalem. A topographical map shows Jerusalem surrounded by mountains. Like a love poem, Jerusalem’s face is encircled by petals of mountains, like a rose. God’s protection of her is graceful and beautiful.
Those mountains symbolize God’s protection that exist all around us!
Take Home Nugget
Just as mountains provide a physical barrier protecting Jerusalem from invading forces, God Himself serves as a barrier between His kids and our enemies—now, and always!
Who are God’s kids? “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”
Thank You, Living God, for protecting and offering us shelter! Amen.
Adapted from “Surrounded by Grace” by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. May 29, 2016. Holy Land Moments Daily Devotional
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