God's Loving Guidance

“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling” (Exodus 15:13).

I have never been good at making decisions and my health problems make this even more difficult. I have trouble making decisions about medicines. I agonize over committing to activities. There are many things I either want to do or feel I should do. I need God’s guidance continually to make wise choices.

This winter has been especially challenging. Not only do I have my own ongoing health issues, but my parents have had some major life changes requiring my help. I am learning to walk the fine and somewhat precarious line of being a daughter as well as a parent to my aging parents. At times I feel completely overwhelmed.

This verse brings me great comfort. I am reminded that I am redeemed. God has delivered me and set me free, not only from the eternal consequences of sin and death but also from the fears and worries which I so easily bring upon myself. He redeems and saves me daily as well as eternally.

It is God’s strength which will enable me to make wise choices. If for some reason I make a poor one, His strength will bring me through that too, giving me an opportunity to learn and grow from it. And God will guide me – this verse states that fact. God’s strength as well as His love is unfailing. He will never let me down.

If I lift each decision before God in prayer asking for His guidance, then I must move forward, trusting Him for the outcome. At times even the right decisions are difficult to live with, but whatever the outcome, He is in control and can redeem any and every circumstance for my good. He is the sure foundation for my times, a rich source of salvation and wisdom and knowledge (Isaiah 33:6).

Prayer: All the way my Savior leads me; what have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, who thro’ life has been my Guide? Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. (Hymn) Amen.

God's Wings

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge (Psalm 91:4).

I enjoy birds and this winter as I have watched them at my feeders, I have been reminded of some Scripture passages mentioning God’s wings.

God wings provide safety and refuge. In Psalm 17:8 David asked the Lord to hide him in the shadow of His wings, protecting him from danger and attack. I may not have physical enemies attacking me but Satan is continually attacking me with fears, despair, discouragement, and countless other negative thoughts. When I cry out to God for His protection, His Word and Spirit are my refuge.

God’s wings bring healing. Malachi 4:2 says the Son of Righteousness rises with healing in His wings. Although the Lord may not bring me physical healing from all my infirmities, He heals my soul and spirit. He replaces my earthly values and desires with His eternal heavenly ones. He brings me through my times of grief, pain, and suffering, and He restores my soul.

God’s wings offer protection, shelter, and provision. Luke 13:34 tells us how God longed to gather His people under His wings like a mother bird yet they would not come. Most of us have known the comfort and parental provision of food, housing, and other necessities of life. God will meet all of these earthly needs and more.

The wings of God not only provided David with these comforts, but they also provided a place for David to praise Him – “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings”. We can sing our songs of praise to Him as well, knowing that the warmth and security of His wings covers us even on our most lonely or pain-filled days. They will carry us with the strength we need until He flies us home.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Your wings are always there to carry me, care for me, and catch me when I fall (Deuteronomy 32:10, 11). Amen.