God is right here

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

KJV

I have been thinking about this scripture a lot lately. It's a passage that's quoted often and fairly simple to understand. The first part makes me think of times when I was a small child and I would run to my dad and climb into his lap any time I was afraid of something. He was not just a place to hid in but he was a strong place to hid. Once I got there I knew that nothing could harm me. There was complete peace and safety in me when I was near him. When I apply that experience to Father God I am overwhelmed with peace. After all, He is the Prince of Peace and lets face it, there is no one stronger!

I remember when dad died and I was standing alone in his shop just after we found out. The only thing I was thinking about at that time is how much my dad had been there for me. I couldn't help but think of the time Jessica and I had come home late and I jumped onto our water bed and the mattress burst at the seam. I jumped off and held the tear up above the water level to keep it from leaking. The only thing I knew to do was call dad and ask him to come over and 'give me a hand' since I couldn't move without water going everywhere. Oh, did I mention it was 12 o'clock in the morning? He came right over and literally 'bailed me out'. With this memory fresh in my mind I asked myself: "Who is going to be my dad now?" Who was going to be the one I could always count on? Who was going to be the one who would never let me down? Then I hear the Holy Spirit answer: "Who do you think I AM and where do you think I have been all the time?" ...WOW! I have always known but in that moment I REALLY knew.

The best part about this scripture for me are the words "very present". You see, when we are in trouble, it isn't like we call out and God has to come running to our aid. He IS right there the whole time. When I first repented and turned around He was right there behind me. When I've messed up and veered off His path (no matter how far), as soon as I turn to head back down that road I find Him there right where I am. I don't have to travel back to where I stepped off.

"Where can I flee from your presence?"

Psalms 139:7-10

I suppose I have been thinking about this because I have had a tough time adjusting to where we are. At times, I have felt like we are in the 'wilderness'. I feel like Moses when he spent 40 years basically baby sitting a bunch of people waiting for them to die so their kids could go into the Promise Land. It is hard not to feel like a baby sitter at times. I was missing being a pastor or at least a carpenter. These things I felt like I was good at, well... at times I did. I started to feel like I had failed at both of those and that I didn't have much to show for all we had done over the last 10 years. Then..."very present help" happened. A ton of bad ideas can be wiped away with one encouraging word, a slap on the back, or an invitation to shine. God saw where I was at because He was where I was at!

What was this one thing? I got asked to speak at chapel. For whatever reason, that was it. He knew it and He was there for me. I don't really know how to explain it but everything about it energized me! It was as if my Father was wrapping His amazingly strong and loving arms around me to whisper in my ear: "I AM right here and I haven't gone anywhere."

I am right where I'm supposed to be,

in the center of His plan for me.

This isn't something I can always see,

but I know it will be good for me.

I find it hard to be THIS transparent but hope that it helps someone. He is truly amazing and I hope you know Him like that.

Blessings,

Justin