Take Refuge

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Do you remember a place or maybe a stuffed animal that made you feel protected? I was reading Psalm 5 and it reminded me of how my daughter would come to our bed at night if she woke up and was afraid. It was almost every night for about six years. There were also stuffed animals and blankets that my children liked because they felt safe. For a small child, the presence of mom and dad make them feel safe and protected. When I read verse 11 it reminds me of a place that I knew very well when I was a young child. My Granny and Granddaddy’s back yard seemed huge when I was young. They actually owned two lots so it was bigger than most yards in their neighborhood. Granddaddy would mow the grass but everything else was left to grow, so it was a great place for a little boy to explore. The yard was surrounded by large bushes that closed the yard in like a wall. In the middle of the yard stood an enormous magnolia tree with limbs that reached out from the trunk and bent toward the ground. My Granny and Granddaddy’s back yard was also directly under the path of the planes that flew into the airport. They looked like they were going to hit the top of the large tree and to a small boy the noise was a bit scary. Each time I was in the yard alone, and a plane would fly over, I would run to the trunk of the tree and wait until it had passed. Nothing could harm me under that huge tree. In my mind, I was totally safe under the strong branches of the massive tree. I must have been right about the tree however. About twice a year, when I get a little free time, I will drive over to my Grandparents old neighborhood. Everything is gone from the old neighborhood. My old house and my grandparent’s old house have been torn down, the roads are gone, and all the trees are gone. The only thing still standing on the street that was once filled with houses and trees is the huge magnolia tree that kept me safe from the scary planes flying over. It makes me feel good to see it and it reminds me of a great childhood with the best grandparents ever.

Verse 11 tells us where our true protection comes from. Not protection from the sound of a jet engine, but the protection from the evil in the world. God will spread His protection over us so we can rejoice in Him. I pray each morning for God to spread Himself over my family and protect them. I not only pray for their physical protection, but I also ask Him to protect them emotionally and spiritually. Let's do the same for all the people in our lives.

Chad