Remembering God's Promises

 

This weekend, Murray and I went again on the road, as we have for the last month, to explore Saskatoon's surrounding communities.   Murray suggested we travel towards Asquith.  He heard the fields were covered with geese getting ready to travel south.  We did not find geese but explored a regional park we had never heard of, Eagle Creek, which is only about a 45-minute drive from Saskatoon.

 

A hidden park that looks like it would be a nice spot to camp in the summer.  On the hills above the valley, three old combines sit like guardians for the area.  I was able to have two in the photo. They are a reminder of a time long past.  I have enjoyed getting to explore the areas around Saskatoon.  I have always liked an adventure, and this was on my invisible bucket list for years.  The best part, Murray, is with me on the journey.

On a lighter note, I would like to share a funny event from Murray’s journey.  He went to Costco on Thursday morning to fill up his truck when the gas attended yelled at him, “Hey, do you realize you have on two different shoes.”  He had left the house around 7 am and put his shoes on in the dark.  When he looked down and saw he had on different shoes, all he could do was laugh and head back home. Life is like that when we walk in the darkness, we will make mistakes, but we need to laugh. This event made our family laugh, which is good for our souls. 

Today, Ron Basky has written a devotional on Psalm 91 and the purpose of remembering God’s promises, especially during times of trouble and turmoil.

Remembering God’s Promises: In Times of Turmoil and Trouble.

I’m using as my text for my devotional Psalm 91. A wonderful Psalm that describes God’s protection over us in the midst of danger or hardship. As we look at this Psalm, we note that God doesn’t promise us a world free from danger but what he does promise is that he will help whenever we face danger. Whatever troubles we face today, God is the place of refuge we can run to, He is our safe place.

 Psalm 91

¹ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

The word “live or dwell” used in this verse actually means, “to take up permanent residence in.” He reminds us to stay in His presence, for it’s a permanent place of living. His Word says if we do that, we will “find rest” in the very "shadow of the Almighty."   Shadows by definition are a place of protection or covering, they provide relief from the direct heat of the sun. If the heat is severe or unbearable, the shade is the place we run to. It diminishes what we actually feel in the intensity of the heat.

Here is a reminder for all of us, especially when we’re going through some tough times, we never walk alone. When we feel the full heat of troubles bearing down hard, heavy, it’s a struggle at times to keep trudging through it all. Yet God whispers truth, strong and sure, “Walk in my shadow, up close to my side.” It’s in the safe place that brings us confidence; for when we are resting in God’s shadow, we will never face the full heat of our difficulties. He shelters us from that pain.  His shade, His shadow, diminishes what is actually felt in the intensity of all the heat. Rest, peace, and calm rise up strong, right in the struggling mess of life, and we’re assured, He's in control. 

Sometimes, maybe unintentionally, in the busyness or difficulties of living, we might strive to survive on our own.  We forget that what we need most, God's protection and the comfort of His presence, are freely available to those who love Him and walk under His covering.

This entire chapter of Psalm 91 is filled with the goodness and power of God. It is filled with great reminders that He faithfully works on behalf of those who love Him.  And at the end of it all, verses 14 - 16 God gives 8 reasons as to why we do not have to fear.

He promises:      “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

Look again at these promises:

 ·    "I will rescue him..."

·    "I will protect him..."

·    "I will answer him..."

·    "I will be with him in trouble..."

·    "I will deliver him..."

·    "and honor him..."

·    "With long life will I satisfy him..."

·    "and show him my salvation."

These are the great blessings we receive as we seek after God, and choose to walk in His ways. In the midst of great darkness in this world, living in it all without His Truth and freedom, would be like wallowing in the pit. Not much hope to be found there. I’ve often wondered how non-believers cope during these uncertain times of Covid.

Yet God's reminders are sure, strong, and true, assuring us that in all that we walk through in this journey of life, His call is always to rise above.  He reminds us we're not alone. And though He never says that we won't face hard times, He does say He'll be with us in it, rescuing us, and shining His favor over us.

Don’t ever doubt it. God works on behalf of those who love Him and honor His name. He is so good to us. We may never fully know, this side of heaven, how very much He has sheltered us from in this life.

"Dear God, thank you for your presence with us during these perilous times, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that no matter what we are facing today that you go before us, and cover us with your protection.  Thank you that you are in our midst, and that our future is secure in the place you're preparing for us.

Your words bring such hope and comfort. Remind us of your strength today, may we see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as we seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen."

Blessings, Ron Basky

Thank you, Ron, for sharing your thoughts from Psalm 91.  If you would like to send him a note, his email is: rbasky@sasktel.net

Well, for an update, I am still in a waiting space.  My doctor has sent the biopsy to Minnesota to find out what type of cancer I have.  Please pray they will be able to name it so I can move on in treatment.  I would like to thank you all for how you are showing your love and care towards my family during this season of our journey. I like the following picture the colors and the cows in the grain fields. 

Blessings, and stay safe,

Robin