A PLACE OF SAFETY

Recently, we experienced heavy rains and high winds that blew the outdoor carpet, forming a perfect tunnel (as pictured). I was in the kitchen preparing dinner when I was suddenly startled by loud banging. I turned to see a squirrel, that had apparently accessed the porch by scampering up the brick pillars. With the grace of an aerialist, he flew through the air and landed onto the sliding screen door. Then, as if his tiny legs were springs, he repeatedly bounced back and forth from the porch floor to the screen.

I was distracted by his antics, when my eye caught a little head peeking out from the end of the “tunnel.” Then I saw another at the opposite end of the “tunnel.” Now there were three juvenile squirrels romping and tumbling about the porch. As darkness closed in, the downpour continued, so we closed the vertical blinds, assuming our furry visitors would leave when the storm ended.

The following day, at 7:00 a.m., we were rudely awakened by loud banging. Entering the kitchen area, I realized that the sound was coming from the porch, so I drew back the blinds to find FOUR little guys playfully scurrying back and forth through the “tunnel,” jumping about the deck, and repeatedly launching themselves onto the sliding screen door. As I watched these entertaining fur-balls frolic and play, it occurred to me that in the midst of fierce winds, those same winds had provided shelter for the little critters. If God provides for His creation, how much more will He provide for us? (Matthew 6:26-34).

Right now, the world is in turmoil with dangerous and unsettling events taking place. Like those squirrels who sought a shelter from the storm, people are looking for a place of refuge and safety from the Coronavirus that has decimated America’s economy. Businesses have been forced to close, with some never to reopen. People have lost their jobs and many have lost their lives. They worry about what the future may hold as they struggle to find their footing. However, our security is not and can never be in the things of this world, a government, or a leader. Our security and place of safety, strength, protection, and peace is in God who is our provider and sustainer.

All the success and wealth in the world cannot erase fear of the unknown nor provide lasting security. The Word of God warns that in the last days, men's hearts will fail them because of fear and apprehension of those things coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven will be shaken (Luke 21:26). The world is going through a shaking, and we, like those young squirrels, are all looking for that place of safety, where we can once again experience joy, security, and peace. 

God promises us that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. There we will say, “The Lord is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:1-2). He is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He is my hiding place; He protects me from trouble and surrounds me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7). Therefore, in peace I will lie down and sleep, for He alone makes me dwell in safely (Psalm 4:8).

Some might angrily ask, “You can quote Scripture all day, but how will Scripture feed my family or find me work?” I can personally attest to the power of God and His faithfulness as The Provider to those who pray, believe, and trust Him. 

A terrible recession hit the U.S. between 1973 and 1975. Many lost their jobs, their savings, and their homes. I was among the 600 of 3,000 in our company whose jobs were terminated. As a divorced mother of a two-year-old, what was I to do? I turned to God, and what had become a nightmare proved to be the greatest blessing, as God miraculously provided for our every need.

Throughout Biblical history and America’s history, God has proven to be Sustainer, Provider, and Deliverer. He delivered the Israelites from their oppressors as He led them through the desert. Yet they disobeyed and murmured and complained against God, even though He had protected them and supernaturally provided for their every need. Unbelief and distrust of God caused them to sin with their attitudes, their mouths, and their actions. Finally, they demanded that Aaron construct an idol to worship. 

Shockingly, Aaron complied. It is difficult to imagine how Aaron, a Godly man whom God had appointed to be the spokesman for Moses, could have been persuaded to make and worship an idol. Yet we have been warned that in the last days people will be lovers of themselves and not of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power? (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

God is holy and will not tolerate disobedience and sin, so He said to Moses, “I have seen these people and they are a stiff-necked (arrogant, stubborn) people. Now leave Me alone so that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation” (Exodus 32: 9-10). Moses quickly interceded for the people and asked God not to kill them. “Then the Lord relented and did not bring on His people the disaster He had threatened” (vs 14). Had it not been for Moses interceding on behalf of Israel, God would have destroyed them all.

With the onset of a deadly virus coupled with unprecedented divisiveness and fighting among our elected officials, we see prosperity, peace, safety, and security hanging in the balance. Yet how many are turning to God? Instead, America, once known as the bright beacon of hope, faith, and prosperity has become a floundering nation of stiff-necked people, not unlike the rebellious ancient Israelites. 

God is urgently calling the Church to cry out on behalf of our nation as Moses cried out for the nation of Israel. Warning bells have been sounding, but the majority of people have been ignoring the warnings. We, the Church, can no longer ignore God’s call to daily intercede for America’s leaders and for people to repent, turn from apostacy, and turn to God. Only then will this nation again become “One nation under God.”

PRAYER: FATHER, You have said that if Your people, who are called by Your name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek Your face, and turn from their wicked ways, You will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land (II Chronicles 7:13-14). Therefore, I repent for not boldly and relentlessly interceding for this nation. I repent on behalf of "We the People" of the United States of America, who, as a united body, once believed in Your sovereignty over their lives and this nation. Now they embrace false religions, all forms of pleasure, and abominations. They exchange the truth for a lie and worship and serve the world and the things in it, instead of their Creator. I ask that Your Holy Spirit draw the hearts of people back to You, so that our land may be healed and people will again embrace, “In God We Trust.” In Jesus’ name, amen.