A Goldilocks Life

God is Our Refuge

Psalm 91:1-3 “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.”

As I drove my son back to college, the snow on the Interstate fell heavier and our car slid into the rear tire of a truck and careened into the center ditch. After going forward and back, forward and back a few times, we overcame the snow and drove out unharmed, praising the Lord for His miraculous protection. The car felt wonky, but we kept going. After dropping off my son at school, I headed with fear and anticipation to five speaking engagements. Would the weather cooperate or deter me? I prayed, “Lord, show me Your way.”

I learned that two of the women’s events were canceled due to weather. But I drove on toward the third destination where I spent extra days with the host family who owned a tire business. He checked the car over and assured me I could drive safely to the other places. The women where I spoke honored me for keeping my commitment regardless of the weather and accident. One group paid me despite their cancelation.

At home we learned the car repair would cost thousands of dollars. Yet I could trace God’s loving hand. He provided through it all, protected us from harm, and blessed us with the benevolence of new friends along the way. If you’re facing a shortfall or experiencing one setback after another, draw close to the Lord. Psalm 91 reminds us that He alone is our refuge and safe place.

Ready for Resurrection Sunday

Since reading “The Cross Centered Life” by C. J. Mahaney in January, I feel God leading me to experience Resurrection Sunday with deeper devotion. Today Steve and I talked about attending church’s Good Friday service. I downloaded and plan to read “The Discipline of Grace” by Jerry Bridges during this season, a book that Mahaney recommends as a strong study of the cross. C. J. Mahaney contends that there ought not be long periods of time when we aren’t being inspired by Jesus’ death on the cross. Do I consider that Jesus Christ loves me… that the Son of God gave His life for me?

I enjoy Easter decorations, egg coloring, and family dinner, none of which is wrong. But this year, I want to fully experience joy and thankfulness for “the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Perhaps I’ll carve out time between now and Good Friday and find a quiet place to read Mark chapters 14 and 15 or the other accounts of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection in Matthew, Luke, and John.

Lord God, prepare my heart to celebrate the enormous price Jesus paid to cover my sins and give me eternal life. I rejoice that You revealed Yourself to me when I was a rebel and cared nothing about You. Since then, You have provided for my needs and allowed me the privilege of serving You. Please help me draw nearer to You by considering Your death, burial, and resurrection. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Winter vs. Spring

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Right now, the wind is raging and temperatures are holding steady at around 40 degrees. Even the ducks are hiding out. Only last week, we enjoyed two days in the 60s. It’s the annual battle between winter and spring. The garden at the east end of the building where we live has green shoots growing taller each day. Spring is coming, no doubt, but it’s taking patience and a varied wardrobe until things really warm up.

Waiting isn’t our favorite thing. Like when we go out to eat, and the service is slow and the food is cold and hardly worth the wait. Prayers feel like that sometimes. God invites us to pray about everything and even to do so without ceasing. Is it hyperbole or practicality? God always wants to hear from us. I’m a work in progress in that department.

There were some surprising answers to prayer this week. I’m delighted that Ray’s birthday party went off without a hitch. People stepped in to help, some without being asked. Extra double blessing in answer to last minute prayers for help. My friend is healing slowly but surely after surgery, and another friend experienced a bad fall yet no broken bones. Others are still waiting for the courts to decide in their favor or mourning the loss of a beloved mom. Thankfully that mom was a follower of Jesus and surely better off in heaven with the Lord than suffering.

All our battles, whether health, provision, loss, or the weather are in the hands of our Lord who sees us, hears our prayers, and answers in His time.