Author's Note:
It's only Tuesday and it already feels like the longest week ever. I won't go into detail, but it's just been a lot. I struggle with giving everything to the Lord sometimes. I'm what you would call a total control freak. Growing up, I promised myself I would go out of my way never to be a burden to anyone - not family, not friends, no one. What I didn't comprehend at the time, but knew very well, was the passage of 1 Peter 5:7 - "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (KJV). I knew God cared about me. That was never a question. And I never doubted His ability to comfort me. I guess I just never knew how to give everything to God. I didn't how to rest in Him, let alone rest at all. I knew I couldn't do it on my own but I walked around like I was some oak on an island - steady, unmoved, but completely alone. I was deep in the devil's lies. Not only was i/am I NOT alone, God specifically wants me to give everything to Him. I can't control everything. I can't endure anything on my own.
Me and Hector were reading Psalm 91 the other night, meditating on God's promises of deliverance and protection. Verse 3 stood out to me: "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." Now, I have read this chapter a thousand times. However, I've never really studied it in the King James Version until now. The word "surely" is SO comforting. It doesn't say "maybe" or "ehh, I don't know if I will." No, it says SURELY. Meaning, it's definitely going to happen. What's equally as comforting is verse 2: "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God in him will I trust." Not only will he deliver us from the snare of the fowler and the noisome pestilence, he is also going to protect us, cover us - be a fortress, a refuge. He will not anything touch us, which is what is expressed through the chapter. How great is our God? I don't know what you are going through, but I hope this is a big moment of "ahhhh" for you. I hope it has encouraged you and reminded you that God is the only safe haven. He is the only place where you are comforted and protected. Now rest and know that He is God. Cast all your cares on him - give him your burdens (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV).
He will deliver you from and protect you in the daily spiritual battles you face.
