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Under the Umbrella…

By August 2, 2020August 30th, 2022Devotional

Several years ago, Janet and I purchased a fountain for our home’s lower back patio that features a boy and girl standing together under an umbrella as the water comes down all around them. That fountain was something that both of us really liked the moment that we saw it. We sometimes recall the times in our lives that we have been caught in the rain together and have had to huddle under a shared umbrella. There’s something really cozy about that. Both of us are able to stay dry and watch the rain fall all around us – we both like the idea of being protected from possible danger or making sure that we don’t get wet!

There was even a time when I have actually gave an umbrella away to somebody who needed it more than I did. In 1983, I happened to be in Chicago on election day when Harold Washington ran against Bernie Epton in the mayoral race for the city. I happened to see Bernie leaving a hotel as I was entering and it was pouring outside. He was alone and I distinctly remember how sad he looked as he anticipated his loss to the eventual winner, Harold Washington. I was on my way in and Mr. Epton clearly had not anticipated being prepared for the foul weather.

He was looking around, trying to figure out his next move, and finally decided to just go out in the rain. As I approached the hotel, I handed him my umbrella as he came out of  the revolving door. He thanked me profusely and, luckily, by the time I left my meeting, the weather was clearing and it wasn’t so bad getting back to my car for the drive home to Indianapolis. I still think about that random encounter every time there is a significant rain I am caught in.

Yesterday, as I was looking out at our fountain, it occurred to me that God’s protection of us is very similar to being under an umbrella. There is a feeling of safety and that everything is going to be alright. There are numerous Scriptures about God and how we seek shelter with Him. In several places, we are told that we can seek shelter under the “wings” of God. Honestly, we don’t even know if God has wings, but we all know what the writers of the Bible were trying to get across when they wrote about God’s provision and protection.

The verse for tonight is from one of my favorite psalms. Jewish tradition attributes this particular psalm to Moses and he tells us in Psalm 91:4, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Certainly, Moses, David and many other writers of the Scriptures experienced the protection and faithfulness of God.

My encouragement this evening is that God wants us to seek shelter with Him. My prayer is that we will always turn to God for protection and provision. We should always leave home prepared for whatever may happen to us and the best possible planning we can do is to make sure that we always seek shelter under the “wings” of our heavenly Father. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…

One Comment

  • David Toussaint says:

    Scott
    This is an exceptional blog. I like it from several perspectives, but how I really think it could be used in the beginning chapter of your book. This is a great introduction . I really recommend you think and pray about this.
    Thanks,
    Dave

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