Shelter

   I have found it interesting to examine my own behavior in the midst of Hurricane Irma's threat to
the Tampa area.  I came over early, ironically, to get away from the threat to the east coast. I wanted to be sure, also, to be here for my daughter's baby shower and my son's wedding. Scripture has some interesting comments about man's plans, which I have tried to keep in my heart anytime people ask me about mine for the future.  Recently I have commented that 'my cup runneth over,' with happy fall events.
   I can still say that, no matter what happens over the course of the weekend, my cup runs over with my Heavenly Father's goodness to me and to my family.  He truly is a Good, Good Father.... Knowing His goodness is not dependent on circumstances going my way....although I most certainly pray for the protection of my family and the homes and provision He has provided to us. I am, indeed, praying for His miraculous intervention, something I have seen over and over since I've been in Florida dealing with hurricanes.  Meteorologists have repeatedly had no explanation for the way hurricanes have stopped in their tracks or moved in a completely unexpected direction.
   Yet how quickly many forget His intervention and begin thinking their lives are under their own control. How quickly we can forget the level of His grace involved in our very existence as we get
absorbed in our day to day activities and personal priorities.
   I have been a surprise to myself in a different way, however. Instead of my usual first-thing-in-the-morning prayer time, seeking Him early and eagerly, I have sought the distractions of busy activity and mind-numbing entertainment instead of running to meet Him in my prayer chair.  I would have thought it would be the opposite. But I find myself fighting my way to prayer in this time of severe crisis, struggling to bypass old television shows, jigsaw puzzles, baking, cleaning, organizing, and, worst of all, endless weather reports.  The Source of every bit of protection, power, and loving care is
patiently waiting to talk with me and give me the reassurance I crave. Why am I sitting on the floor playing with toys, instead?
   Proverbs 8:17 says that He will love those who seek Him early and that they will find Him. Chaim Bentorah delves into the Hebrew here and summarizes it as those who seek Him eagerly and as their first priority will discover His Presence, hidden knowledge, and understanding. It's rather like the person who arrives early to dinner and is able to talk privately and informally with the host (or the King, in the case of an ancient parable).
   Why wouldn't we desire to put on our sneakers and eagerly run out to meet Him in the dawn of the morning?  Even if morning isn't the best time for us to be alone with Him, due to the current season of our lives, do we wish it were? Do we open our eyes declaring our love for Him, whether we must hit the ground running or not? Do we hungrily seek a time that is ours alone, anticipating it and preserving it against the tyranny of the urgent, as my mother used to say?  His secret place is waiting, and its shelter is unsurpassed. There the winds quiet and the storm cannot be felt. Shalom waits there. His Name is ADONAI.
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Psalm 91