Sunday Writing... 4-5-20... "SHELTERING IN PLACE"

Good morning,

Today's writing, "SHELTERING IN PLACE," talks about how we may feel about the current orders for sheltering in place, and different ways to look at it.  Read on to see how God wants us to shelter in place.

Blessings,
Jan

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Today's Devotional: 

"SHELTERING IN PLACE"

by

Jan Andersen

We’ve likely all heard about sheltering in place lately, with the threat of a viral infection ravaging the globe.  In this pandemic, many government officials have asked their people to remain at home unless absolutely necessary to go out.  This has caused a lot of stress for many, feeling they are trapped in their own homes and unable to go out or follow their normal routines.  However, we can choose how we think about this time of sheltering in place.  To shelter means to protect or shield from danger or something harmful, to find refuge or take cover, to prevent someone from having to do or to face something difficult or unpleasant.  Nothing in that definition sounds very negative.  In fact it sounds like a very good thing to be sheltering from harm.  So perhaps we can all look at sheltering in place as a positive thing, something simple we GET to do that protects us physically.

God wants us to be sheltering in place as well.  He provides us with His own shelter.  He is described in many places as our fortress in times of trouble, our refuge and protection, a hiding place, our deliverer and rescuer, our strength, our rock, our shield and stronghold, our place of safety … our shelter.  And we don’t have to go anywhere to find His shelter, either.  We find we are sheltering in place in God’s protective arms anywhere we are, at all times, no matter what is happening around us.

Psalm 31:1-5 ESV  In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!  Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily!  Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!  For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.  Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. 

In hard times we can focus our attention on positive things to keep our spirits up, but most importantly we focus our eyes on our faithful God, sheltering in place in His arms!

Dear Father in heaven, You have promised to always be with us, sheltering us from danger, and providing us with the free gift of salvation through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ.  As we continue sheltering in place in your arms, help us to remain focused on your loving grace.  May we share the peace that brings with others.  In Jesus’ name,  Amen.     

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Song:

DWELL

Aaron Keyes

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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers

 Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Cathy Friberg, 

Jan Andersen and  Corinne Mustafa

Occasional Contributors
Kathy Bireley,  Terri Baker

Lynda Kinnard, Beverley Napier, 

 Amie Spruiell, Linda Garrett, and Lisabeth Lipp