The thoughts on which we habitually dwell determine the direction our lives take. So, onto what thoughts do you latch when you feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or afraid?
When we focus on our negative or hurtful circumstances, we travel further into despair. Before long we begin to grumble, sink into self-pity, feel angry or short-changed, or jealous that other people don’t seem to struggle as we do.
The opposite happens when we focus on the truth of God’s word. We find hope, we discover peace, and we experience joy no matter what our circumstances look like.
When I feel as though my thoughts are pulling me down the wrong path, I call to mind Psalm 32:7, 10. I call them “refrigerator verses”—they’re so encouraging that I want to keep them in an obvious place where I’m sure to see them often:
“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory…Unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.”
The word “surround” makes me visualize medieval European castles. I’ve visited several. All were strategically situated on hilltops so their residents could see enemies approaching from miles away. And all were built with massive stones that provided protection from those enemies even if they somehow managed to scale the hill and mount an attack.
Satan knows how to mount attacks against Christ’s followers and he’s bent on defeating us, but Christ is our hiding place. He surrounds us with songs of victory and unfailing love. If we step outside His protection, we’re fair game. But so long as we find our refuge in Him—living intentionally to grow our relationship with Him through ongoing prayer, spending time in the Word, and walking in obedience—we are safe. Satan might declare all-out war on our souls, but he fights a losing battle.
Surrounded by God’s unfailing love and songs of victory, we have every reason to face our circumstances with courage. We are more than overcomers though Christ and the work He accomplished on Calvary.
What mental imagery comes to mind when you read Psalm 32:7,10?
#bgbg2 #GodIsMyHidingPlace #ChristianDevotions
Grace it reminds me of when my son Blake was little and he would cry and I would pick him up and hold him in my arms and sing Jesus Loves Me to him and he would suddenly be quite. I picture myself going to the Father’s throne and climbing up into his arms and having him hold me and tell me everything is okay and the song You’re a Good, good Father, that’s who you are, that’s who you are, and I am loved by you, that’s who I am, that’s who I am is playing. Remembering that God loves me and that if HE is for me, WHO can be against me is comforting to me. Because NO ONE can be against me if God is for me! I am a princess and my Father is the KING of KINGS! Amen!
Yes, yes, yes, Debbie! Thanks for sharing this word picture. So beautiful and filled with reassurance of the Father’s love for us.