God's Steadfast Protection
“The Lord says, ‘I will save the one who loves me. I will keep him safe because he trusts me. He will call out to me and I will answer him. I will be with him in times of trouble. I will save him and honor him. I will give him a long and full life. I will save him.’” Psalm 91:14-16 NIRV
Like so many families, the economic crash of 2009 was terrifying. My husband and I both worked in the housing market at the time. We went from a solid and strong monthly income to nothing overnight. We found ourselves struggling for grocery money, much less our large mortgage payment. What we once considered our dream home was now a weight pulling us under into a sea of fear and uncertainty.
We finally decided to short-sale our house since we could not sell it for what we owed. When the time came to move, I was plagued with extreme anxiety and worry. Where could we go with a short sale on our credit? How would my seven year old daughter adjust to changing schools in the middle of a school year? Would we ever recover from financial disaster?
Because of a family connection, we found a homeowner who approved our lease on a beautiful home in a wonderful community. We were sure God had opened the door to move there, but my mama-heart was still shaking. My daughter, moving from the only friends she’d ever known, had to begin again.
My guilt was so heavy I could barely hold it together when we arrived at the new school to enroll her. And then, when it was time, my daughter’s newly assigned first grade teacher came to the office to take her to meet her new classmates. And this teacher did something I’ll never forget, something God moved her to do, and it was exactly what I needed to know Jesus was there, through our heartache and fear, protecting us each and every step.
The teacher entered the office, went straight to my daughter, leaned down to look her right in the eyes, and said with a smile, “Good morning, I’ve been waiting for you.”
Such a simple sentence. But such great medicine for my aching heart. God knew exactly where my daughter would be going, and it was better than I could have imagined. He was providing and protecting us during our pain.
That time in our life reminds me of Psalm 91:14-16. I love that it says, “I will save” three times, once in each of these verses. He will save. He’s there, even when times are full of unknowns. We can count on His covering. Whatever you are experiencing this moment that feels too big, too scary, too agonizing, recite this verse, and rest assured He has you in His mighty hands.
Mighty God, thank You for being our steadfast Rock in times of trouble, pain, and uncertainty. Help us to remember to lean on You, for You are our safety. Thank You for promising to save those who are Yours. Amen.
