This past weekend was very bittersweet for our family. Our precious “Pop” (my wife’s grandfather) passed away on Friday night. It was unexpected and that seemed to make it a little harder. The funeral took place Monday. My children have had two significant deaths in their short lives but this was the first time they had ever attended a funeral. My daughter, the older of the two seemed to have a better understanding of what was going on and the gravity of the entire situation. Once we arrived in the chapel for the funeral, I could sense an uneasiness from her. She was uncomfortable, and I don’t believe she really knew how to react to the entire situation. Part of her was reacting as you would expect a young child to act, and that’s oblivious. But part of her was sensing the heaviness of the occasion and she wasn’t sure how to express herself.
Early on (and as expected), a large portion of our family began crying during a song. I could sense her panic as she searched for a place of comfort. She quickly moved from where she was and sought to be held by Daddy. As you would expect from any loving father, I had an overwhelming desire to comfort her and was glad to do so. I began to assure her that what she was feeling was normal. After a few minutes, I sensed the moment her little body began to relax in my embrace. The longer we sat there, the more I began to question how many times our sweet Pop had chosen to do the same thing with his Heavenly Father over the years. Pop was a mighty man of God. He was solid and unwavering in all he did. But I’m sure he had moments of weakness as well when he wanted to climb up in God’s lap and be comforted as well. Even as adults, we never lose that desire to be sheltered and cared for.
As children, we seek a place of comfort with a trusted adult. But the older we become, the less we feel it proper to do the same. The decision to do so is a tragic one as our Heavenly Father waits to love and comfort us daily— if we would only allow Him to do so. Ps 91:1 in the NLT states, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” To live in the shelter God provides and find rest in his shadow, it’s imperative to stay close to him. To be in anyone’s shadow requires us to be in close proximity. As believers, we’re offered protection but we must stay close to the Master.
Closing remarks and encouragement: If you feel distance between you and God, chances are, it’s you who has walked away. He promised to never leave nor forsake us. Just as it is with out children in public places, if they want to be protected and kept safe, they must stay close.
**If you haven’t read the entire 91st Psalm. I encourage you to do so below. It will bless you!
Psalm 91 [NLT]
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. 6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. 8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. 9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. 11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! 14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”