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Listen while you read: "O Jesus I Have Promised"1 (Lyrics) |
"Don't forget your umbrellas," mother would call out on blustery days, prompting my brothers and me to pick up our paces, for it was a long walk to school whenever we missed our bus. Then, with a final once-over, mother would kiss us goodbye, and everyone would giggle as my brothers squirmed, far too embarrassed to admit that they adored her open signs of affection. Our daily routine filled me with a wonderful sense of security. And my heart overflowed with gratitude as we waited at the bus stop, snug and dry, underneath our oversized umbrellas.
Closing my eyes, I pictured God faithfully protecting me. My umbrella was my refuge in the shadow of His wings. I could hear my mother's voice reciting, "He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." (Psalm 91:4 NLT)
No matter how stormy the weather or what was happening in the world outside, my mother and father trusted in God's sovereignty and perfect fatherly care. They taught us that God's commandments were like an invisible shield or umbrella. Just as each mother hen instinctively protects her chicks by gathering them under her wings, our parents knew that nothing in all creation would be able to separate their family from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 36:7 – How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (ESV)
Our heavenly Father is not a fair-weather friend who shows up only for the good times. As the protector of His children, He literally has our back and watches over us all the time. Therefore, whenever we face stormy weather, let us call out His name — He will be there! We never need to walk alone.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for protecting us, our children, and our grandchildren emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Father, create in us a pure heart and renew within us a steadfast spirit. Thank You for Your promise that You will cover us with Your feathers and shelter us with Your wings. Thank You that Your faithful promises are our armour and protection. Amen.
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Thank you.
Amen, Lois! Blessings.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Lois.
Thank you Lois, what a cheerful, uplifting devotional to start the day with. Blessings.
A lovely post, Lois. Very comforting reminder in these trying times. Blessings to you!
This is my prayer today, Father Lord protect us, my children, and grandchildren. Amen.
Dear Lois, AMEN TO THAT!
Thank you for your Devotional.
(QC, CANADA)
Thank you for the wonderful devotion today. It is encouraging and a good remembrance.
(Ontario)
Amen Lois. Thank you for sharing this lovely story from childhood. You were blessed to have godly parents!
Blessings.
So wonderful to have had that experience! Mine was quite different, but knowing God’s covering was my comfort and gave me strength and courage. Blessings!
Greetings Lois and thank you so much for this very reassuring devotional today. We need be so thankful that our Lord is ever there as our shelter, in every circumstance we face. Blessings for your special writings.
Hello Lois,
Thank you for today’s thoughtful and meaningful devotion. It gave me the “warm fuzzies”, as my special needs son would say.
(ON)
Hi Lois, Thanks for the awesome Devotional today. I really enjoyed it.
Keep on writing!!
Blessings to you.
(Ontario)
Good morning Lois,
Thank you for your good words this morning, It is so good to know that we are covered by the wings of God during all the “rainy” days of our lives.
Blessings.
My dear and long-lost friend. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement today. I never cease to stand in awe of how our Precious Lord uses his faithful servants for his glory and goodness.
Your devotion was precious and timely. Thank you Lois.
To God be the Glory.
I needed to read this today. I know God doesn’t always protect physically, the rain still falls in life, but we always have GOD PRESENT with us in life and through death even as the rain falls. His presence doesn’t stop the rain of life and its tragedies, but He assures us we won’t get drenched or drown in it, just knowing He is in us and all around us.
Hi Lois
Thank you for this. Today I hear take your umbrella, never have before and it has rained when taking the boat to visit my husband but today I heard it several times. I also heard/read the devotional, so I did, and here you are!!! This is so encouraging, as I am going to the boat to the hospital where my husband is in ICU. Thank you for this timely devotional.
God bless.
God is a God of second chances, He moves mountains, and He heals the sick and gives joy instead of sorry.
Good morning Lois,
That is a great picture you paint of your family as you get ready to go to school. Your mom sending you off with great affection and making sure you are well protected from the rain. It is wonderful to be introduced to God’s love and protection from an early age modelled by your parents.
As I pray with you your prayer for today, I feel the love God has for his World. It is important to remember that God is walking with us in the darkness and the light. I know that we don’t want the dark times, but they are part of our journey and remembering that he is beside us offers great comfort.
Thank you for always being willing to put the effort into sharing with others what you have learned. Blessings.