God Is ... Through MatthewSample

God is . . . Shelter

“What do you think? If someone had one hundred sheep and one of them wandered off, wouldn’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillsides and go in search for the one that wandered off? If he finds it, I assure you that he is happier about having that one sheep than about the ninety-nine who didn’t wander off. In the same way, my Father who is in heaven doesn’t want to lose one of these little ones.” Matthew 18:12-14 CEB

When have you wandered away from the truth? Many followers of Jesus begin their walk with Christ in confidence and obedience, but along the way, something happens that challenges or shakes their faith. You may have had a moment in your life when you questioned, doubted, and eventually wandered from God’s presence.

In that moment, you also left His shelter. Psalm 91:1 NIV says, Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. When you willingly choose to leave His presence and no longer dwell with Him, you also choose to leave His protection.

What happens outside of God’s shelter and rest is emotional turmoil. This could mean division in your home, conflict at work, or any number of other stresses from which God longs to shelter you. When life becomes difficult, take joy in His shelter and count it a blessing to be called one of His sheep.

What emotional scars do you have as a result of wandering away from God? Ask God to restore you, and let Him take care of your scars.

Prayer:

Father, in spite of all the labels I am given, and all of the duties I perform in my day-to-day life, do not let me lose sight of who I am in You. Let me stay grounded in Your Word, always, as I seek Your will for my life. Amen in Jesus’ name.