There is a clock in our living room that tick-tocks 24 hours a day. Usually, there is plenty of noise in our house and so you rarely hear it. Sometimes though, when I’m home alone, it’s quite loud to my ears.
In times of peace, in times of prosperity, sometimes the still small voice of God gets covered up by the activity of our routines and responsibilities. We go from birthday to birthday and winter to spring and back again. Then, a pandemic tramples our sense of wellbeing and war breaks out in Europe for the first time in many of our lives. And it gets quiet. The noise of the everyday, the normalcy, the usual~ recedes like a low tide exposing our uncertainties and fears. We look up and wonder… God, are You still there?
Even before He answers, we know: He is there. He has never left us. In those moments, when it feels like the world is shaking on its foundations, the presence of God comes to steady us. The Comforter, like a dove, nests in the tree of our hearts. Jesus has always been there, and He always will be. It’s a promise that you and I can stand on.
Psalm 139 says, “You hem me in behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me.”
That is beautiful. God surrounds us! I remember when our kids were little, my husband and I would take them bike riding. Will was in front, Hannah and Josh were in the middle, and I was behind them. It’s a picture of how God takes care of his children. God is behind us, before us, and beside us, surrounding us with His love and peace.
As the news from Europe guts us and our hearts break for the people of Ukraine and our minds wander toward the cliffs of fear, perhaps you and I can simply sit in the presence of God. Listen for His still small voice. Whisper the name of Jesus out loud. It will bring you peace. Open the bible and let the words fill you to overflowing with reassurance.
Psalm 32:7 says, “For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.”
God is surrounding us which means we are protected and shielded on all sides. All sides! The God of Angel Armies has got you covered! Let the stress ebb away as you allow God to surround you with His presence, for in His presence is fullness of joy.
You are Loved.
