Here we are again! (My, these weeks fly by!)
It’s Five Minute Friday… where many of us set our timer and write for five minutes straight, unedited on a one-word prompt. We gather and share at Kate’s place, and encourage one another in our writing. It’s one of the most encouraging parts of my week! Give it a try… either on your own blog, in the comments section below my post, or on a scratch piece of paper at home. It’s a ton of fun!
This week’s word:
–DWELL–
Go.
The news these days puts me a bit on edge. Does it you, too?
It makes me want to hide away in my home. To dwell here for as long as I can without venturing out.
dwell :: to live or stay as a permanent resident; reside
But living like that–hidden away–isn’t me, nor is it what I’m called to do. But I sure am tempted.
I was reminded this week, yes, bad things are happening all around us. But we don’t need to shrink back in fear, and we don’t have to worry and fret. (Easier said than done, I know!) When we take our shelter in God, we are safe.
Take a look:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 NIV
Rest sounds pretty good right now, doesn’t it? When we reside in God’s shelter (His protection) we will find rest… without worry.
When the images on t.v. alarm us, and the headlines make us uncomfortable, we can take our concerns to straight to the One Who can handle them and Who can calm our racing hearts.
And just in case you’re like me and you need a little more assurance, take a moment to read Psalm 91 in its entirety. This is from the New Living Translation:
Psalm 91
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
Dwell in His safety, my friend. I will meet you there.
Stop.
Much love today,
Julie
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Amen! I love that Psalm, too :). I always feel ready to step out the door and take on cranky students and bad news and disappointment after I read it and dwell on it a bit :). Life is not my battle. It belong to God.
What a great perspective, Anita! Amen to that. Have a blessed weekend!
What a reassurance that we can find rest under the shadow of His wings if we dwell there. Thanks for reminding me the definition of “dwell.” I meant to look it up tonight but didn’t get around to it. Indeed, I want to stay as a permanent residence in His presence. What a beautiful place to be. Thanks for your post tonight, friend!
Hi Asheritah! Thank you for stopping over. I’ll be over to your place soon. Great prompt this week. I want to take up permanent residence in His presence too. Glad we’ll be there together! Have a blessed weekend!
Love this reassurance! Psalm 91 is such a comforting Psalm. It is so important for us to dwell in him. I often don’t watch the news because it is always such bad news. Yet I’m reminded of Anne Frank’s words after they were found “Despite everything, I truly believe people are really good at heart.”
Your words are a comfort, friend. Thank you for being here. Psalm 91 might be my favorite. I need to put it up on my bathroom mirror and read it daily. Hope you are doing well. I’ve been praying for you and your friend. Much love to you.
Psalm 91 is one of my favorites. When we dwell in His presence, it just makes everything else fall away. Blessings!
It sure does, Barbie! I’m so thankful. God bless you, friend.
Love that Psalm! Thanks for writing it out in entirety – I needed to read it again this morning! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Janet! I need to read it more often. Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful weekend too! Blessings!
I love this Psalm, and it is such a great focus, in the midst of everything that is going on in the world, to be reminded of God’s promises and protection.
Amen, Carly. I needed that reminder (and still do). I love this Psalm too. Thanks for stopping by. Have a blessed weekend!
Such a timely message Julie. Fear is hoovering around many of us this week. I love Psalm 91. It has comforted me so many times. Blessings friend!
Hi Carmen! Yes, I agree with you. God’s Words have a way of comforting us, right when we need it. Thanks for stopping over and for sharing today. It’s a joy to see your smiling face! Blessings to you, too!
This is just lovely, my friend! I am a huge lover of Dwelling… of Resting in Him… and I will meet you there any day, any time!
Sounds great, my friend!! Glad we can dwell together. Thanks for sharing your joy here! Have a beautiful weekend!
Great reminders of hope, Julie! Thank you for your boldness and faithfulness in clinging to and sharing these promises in the midst of a hostile world. Blessings to you!
Hi Kate! Thank you for hosting us each week and for all you do to keep FMF going. Blessings to you too!