Hiding Place DevotionalSample

The Battle Is Real I remember so vividly the day I sat on my back porch with my face in my hands weeping and feeling so defeated. I had been battling postpartum anxiety and depression for what seemed like forever. My kids had been neglected, my marriage felt the weight of it, and I physically hurt from the battle from within. It felt like my entire world was crashing in around me. They tell you to “pick your battles” with your children. As a mother of several small children, I have to admit that’s some advice I cling to almost on the daily. But what about when it comes to your life? You don’t get to just pick your battles. They can come two or three at time, hitting you from every direction. Sometimes the weight of the world comes down on top of you, and you have no choice in which you want to take on. The battle in your marriage. The battle with a sick child. The battle with postpartum illness. The battle with the work/life balance. The battle with a special needs child. The battle with your finances. There are battles all around, and most likely you are fighting a battle of some sort in your life right now. Maybe more than one. Sister, the battle is real. So very real. But there is hope and truth in the battles we face. The Lord doesn’t just blindly send you out into battle. He doesn’t send you anywhere he hasn’t been already. “He prepares a table for me in the midst of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5). He isn’t just there in the midst of your battle, he prepares a feast for you. If you’re anything like me, a feast is not something easy to prepare. ESPECIALLY in the midst of chaos! But God is right there in the middle of our battles with a giant turkey, rolls the size of your face, and more pies than Marie Callendar, just waiting. Even in the midst of my darkest battles, I hear that quiet voice whispering, “I’m right here in this with you. Join me at the table. I am your Hiding Place. I protect you from trouble. I surround you with songs of victory.” Ladies, suit up and grab your fork. We’re going to battle.