Homey Hiding Place

Devotionals — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:06:04 +0000

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 NIV

My heart feels like it is breaking into a million pieces. I fight back tears as I load my SUV with suitcases from the weekend trip to Boone. The luggage is heavy but not as ponderous as my burdened heart feels at the moment.

“How could this trip turn into such a disaster?” I think quietly to myself as I replay the weekend’s events in my mind.

The mountain trip was supposed to be a time of relaxation and fun spent with my parents, siblings, and their families. But this had been far from the tranquil paradise I had imagined.

The vacation started with me and my family getting lost on our way to the cabin nestled in the woods. We made several wrong turns, thanks to our GPS, and traveled many miles out of the way. We were horribly late arriving to the destination. By the time we finally pulled into the driveway of our weekend home, our faces could no longer mask our stress and anxiety.

The next day, we set off on our river tubing adventure. However, mother-nature decided not to cooperate by sending a torrential downpour. We were chilled to the bone as we drifted down the winding river for two long hours.

Finally, my sister and I got into a heated argument. Harsh words were spoken, and even though apologies were given, her comments continued to haunt my thoughts and heart.

This weekend has been one disappointment after another. Nothing has gone right and all I want to do is go home. I desire to be in my own house, away from the problems of the outside world, where I feel safe. I need to be in my place of security, the only place I can take cover from the troubles, heartaches, and storms of the weekend behind me.

As much as I love being at home, however, nothing compares to the hiding place the Lord provides for my soul. The world is a cruel location for a Christian. Sometimes it is difficult to navigate through life. Many times the obstacles and hardships prove to be too much for me to bear. Failures, fears, and insecurities threaten me in every direction, causing me to want to shrink away unnoticed-to go to my hiding place in the Lord.

By abiding in Him, He provides peace for my weary, tired soul. This is the place where His loves warms me…almost as if He beckons me to come in, unpack my bags, snuggle by the fire in a comfy blanket and sip hot cocoa.

The Lord’s hiding place is full of mercy, love, and grace. He gives rest for my heart, body, and mind so that I gain enough energy to carry on. He is my refuge from the billowing storms of life that surround me. No matter the circumstances I go through, God is the anchor providing safety and stability in the shifting world around me. In Him, true peace can be found.

“Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a hiding place in the safety and shelter of Your presence. Help me to remember You are my help in difficult times, always freely providing your endless love, protection, and peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

By Alisha Ritchie
Used by Permission

His Wings Shelter You

Thoughts_About_God — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 08:01:27 +0000

“He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers.” Psalm 91:4

My college friends and I barely escaped a West Texas storm before it pummelled the park where we were spending a Saturday afternoon. As we were leaving, my buddy brought the car to a sudden stop and gestured to a tender sight on the ground. A mother bird sat exposed to the rain, her wing extended over her baby who had fallen out of the nest. The fierce storm prohibited her from returning to the tree, so she covered her child until the wind passed.

From how many winds is God protecting you? His wing, at this moment, shields you. A slanderous critic heading toward your desk is interrupted by a phone call. A burglar en route to your house has a flat tire. A drunk driver runs out of gas before your car passes his. God, your guardian, protects you from

‘every trap’ (Psalm 91:3);
‘the fatal plague’ (Psalm 91:3);
‘the plague that stalks in darkness’ (Psalm 91:6);
‘the terrors of the night – the dangers of the day’ (Psalm 91:5).

One translation boldly promises: “Nothing bad will happen to you.”
(Psalm 91:10 NCV).

“Then why does it?” someone erupts. “Explain my job transfer. Or the bum who called himself my dad. Or the death of our child.” If God is our guardian, why do bad things happen to us?

Have they? Have bad things really happened to you? You and God may have different definitions for the word bad.

God views your life the way you view a movie after you’ve read the book. When something bad happens, you feel the air sucked out of the theater. Everyone else gasps at the crisis on the screen. Not you. Why? You’ve read the book. You know how the good guy gets out of the tight spot. God views your life with the same confidence. He’s not only read your story – he wrote it. His perspective is different, and his purpose is clear.

God uses struggles to toughen our spiritual skin.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4)

Trust him. “But when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3). Join with Isaiah, who resolved, “I will trust in him and not be afraid.” (Isaiah 12:2).

God is directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life (Psalm 37:23-24). In fact, that’s his car pulling over to the side of the road. That’s God opening the door. And that’s you climbing into the passenger seat.

There now, don’t you feel safer knowing he is in control?

By Max Lucado
From: Come Thirsty
Used by permission

Are you at a place in your life where you want to know Jesus and have him in your life? You can start a life surrendered to Christ today. This is a sample, simple prayer, but the words are powerful and full of meaning. If you truly believe them Christ will enter your life and start you on a wonderful journey. (not always easy, but never alone)

Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.

It starts now!

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at: https://maxlucado.com/about/

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sheltered - Thoughts About God

Homey Hiding Place

His Wings Shelter You

“He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers.” Psalm 91:4

God uses struggles to toughen our spiritual skin.

Further Reading