When life’s burdens begin to press in and encroach on our thoughts, it’s easy to feel like a lonely wanderer in a dry and barren land. The connection of body and soul is so powerful that the heaviness seems to permeate the bones and weigh us down. We can trudge along as if each step is sinking deep into the desert sands. The effort to put one foot in front of the other can be exhausting. Our whole being longs for relief.
These are those times when we must look back from where we have come. Our history, our stories are like mile markers along the way. Our memories also hold our thoughts of times past, places of oasis where deep wells of refreshment filled us with peace.
The love and presence of God is always at its fullest whether we are weary or rested. Our thoughts have no power to change that. But our thoughts have the power to change us. When we remember where our help comes from, when we acknowledge the power and glory of the living God, our bone weary hands can lift up high in worship, upheld by the strength of his presence.
His hands are strong and his might casts a deep shadow under which we can find shelter in the scorching times.
“I lie awake thinking of you in the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. “
Psalm 63:6-8
“The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.”
Psalms 121:5-6 NLT
