“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.” Psalm 91:1-2

I often write about encounters in my life because the Holy Spirit always provides a spiritual lesson to comfort, grow, encourage or lead my in the path that He would have me to go. So, here’s one spiritual lesson that I needed reminding of today… I hope that it enlightens your heart as well. One Saturday afternoon I drove to the Sam’s pick-up area across town from my home. I was quite familiar with the area having grew up on the northside of Jacksonville. However, when I left out of the parking lot instead of turning right to the main highway, I turned left and exited a different way than usual. Of course, thinking I knew my way, I continued to drive assuming the road would lead back to the highway.

However, I found myself in the middle of an industrial area that appeared unfamiliar. I was frightened because this place was heavily wooded and desolate; and old abandon motel was to my right. . . I was so busy watching my surroundings that when I looked up, I was driving on the wrong side of the road; a blinding curve was just ahead… I immediately corrected my position praising God that nothing had come around that corner; I slowed down, said a prayer, and collected my thoughts knowing that I could not be far from the entrance. As I slowly followed the road it took my right back in a circle and to the light.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation physically or spiritually?  Any catastrophic phenomena can be considered right now as this place, out of nowhere it appears … our entire lives can be turned inside out; it is daunting and unknown, placing  us in unfamiliar territory. Such things as debilitating illnesses, loss of employment, divorce, grief, mental instability, anxiety and the list could go on. But praise God, if we just slow down, fervently pray, and collect ourselves, we will be led to the light… hearing these comforting words from the Lord “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10.

Regardless to what may be going on at this very moment; we can hold to the promise that God has the best for us in the final analysis. He never promised that this life would be one of ease; Job 14:1 states “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.” But He did promise to never leave us nor forsake us! We will all endure hardships, but we are only sojourners in this place… just passing through a foreign land!

Psalm 91:2 states “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.”  When hurting, distressed or even in the presence of evil; we can find safety in the secret place of our Almighty God. In and through all things, as Martin Luther wrote, A Mighty Fortress is our God-He protects and guides us through this journey of life and we can trust in His sovereignty now and forever!

So, today my friends, rest in His love and know that you are just where He wants you to be; whatever this place is in our lives…it is not unknown to the One who holds the future in His all powerful hands; He will always lovingly guide us to His marvelous light…we are safe, safe in the Master’s hands!

God blessings of abundant love and mercy be with us all.