The Power To Be: How To Be Still Through T-E-A-R-SSample

How to be still through T-E-A-R-S    

A – ABIDE in the Almighty’s Shadow

When my son was a toddler, he sometimes became so troubled that his little body would quiver. He’d sob loudly and shed big tears about the terrible trials in his life. As he reached toward me for comfort, I’d pick him up and hold him tightly. Before long, his third and fourth fingers of his right hand would slide into his mouth and he’d start sucking away. He snuggled into my embrace, keeping his head nestled against my chest, and after a while he was as content as could be. 

My precious boy was safe and secure and had no burdens or anxieties when he was in my arms. As far as he was concerned, no one could solve his problems or satisfy his needs quite like his mama.

As God’s beloved daughter—an adult child who longs for assurance that everything is going to be okay—I often reach out to him in much the same way. 

The words of Psalm 91:1–2 remind me that in his shelter is where I’ll find rest. They give me a mental picture of being in my heavenly Father’s warm embrace. He’s my protector. My hiding place. My sanctuary.

I get a similar vision from Isaiah 41:10, which says: “So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (NIV).

These verses are beautiful reminders that when the storms of life threaten us, or we face troubles of many kinds, we can reach our arms up to our heavenly Father, the One who calls himself I AM. He pulls us into his warm embrace, and lays our head against his breast. With his every heartbeat, our spirit hears, “I love you, I love you, I love you.” And we quickly realize that his heart beats for us. 

There we dwell, under his shelter, covered by his almighty shadow, where we’re out of harm’s way. It’s a place of solace and relief. We’re free from the worries, fears, and disturbances of life. 

That’s what God wants for us. He longs to hold us close.

When was the last time you reached for his embrace?