You are my hiding place and my shield—
in Your word, I hope. Psalm 119:114, TLV
Find the Blank Wall. We all need a “hiding place” from time to time. A place to feel protected. Where we hide and take refuge is important. Because many of us when we feel hurt or offended or overwhelmed, either isolate or fight back. Neither is optimal.
A hiding place in a safe place with GOD’s word, is so much better than isolating ourselves or having a “pity” party. And for goodness’ sake, don’t invite people to the “pity” party so they can tell us how right we are to feel so offended and hurt, and worse, hold us in that place never to move forward.
And the fighters? Remember, our Father is our shield. GOD’s word our sword (Ephesians 6:17). We’re not fighting against souls — so forgive them — we’re battling principalities sent from the enemy of all souls (Ephesians 6:12).
Sustain me according to Your word, so I may live,
and let me not be ashamed of my hope. (vs. 116, TLV)
The Blank Wall
My daughter is a thoughtful, intelligent woman who can spot injustice at twenty paces. As this world denigrates the faithful and the helpless, then elevates those hungry for power, she can feel overwhelmed. I think we can all relate to that.
She’s learned a technique that helps her. When that overwhelmed feeling takes over, she looks at and then touches a blank wall and remembers. Remembers who she is and what she can do at that moment. Like take care of her family, make dinner, breathe, then look for possible solutions she can reasonably do. It centers her.
I like that. Being sensitive to our bodies and emotions makes it easier to go back to a fresh or familiar perspective. Then we can take refuge in our Father — you know, the Creator of the Universe? The One who knows how this will all end. Remember His promises. Know His love.
When we take refuge, we can be sustained and strengthened, ready to go back into this brutal world, but also see the beauty and wonder. It begins with the first step. Perhaps we can find a blank wall and go from there.
