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Psalm 61:3 – For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. (ESV)
It is very pleasant to look down from my fifth-floor balcony onto the street below, while I try to establish facts about the many pedestrians, who are from many different countries. They are close enough to see but too far away to engage in conversation.
A few days ago, I saw a young couple pushing a toddler in a stroller. The toddler decided that he wanted to walk, and I laughed as I saw this tiny boy pushing this relatively large stroller. His father walked behind him carrying heavy backpacks with the toddler's belongings, while his mother walked close beside him ensuring that he didn't fall each time he stumbled.
This independent stroll didn't last long. He soon tired of trying to do more than he was physically able to do. His father then picked the toddler up and placed him back in the stroller. Not unexpectedly, there were brief protests, but he soon fell asleep.
The little toddler was relatively tiny and weak compared with his parents, but as I watched the action, I knew that he was protected and safe. It was obvious that he was loved by his parents who watched his every step and took corrective action when he stumbled and nearly fell. This brought the following verses to mind.
Psalm 103:13 – As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. (ESV)
Proverbs 4:11-12 – I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. (NKJV)
As I reflected on the many stumbles that I have experienced — and continue to experience — I realized how blessed I am to have a loving Father to guide me every day. Thankfully, this loving Father is there for each of us, watching over us, just as those parents watched over their toddler. Like that toddler, we need to let Him instruct us in the way of wisdom and lead us along straight paths so that we will not stumble.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for opportunities to learn more about Your love for us, even through simple actions. Lead us and guide us so that we will not stumble. Help us to recognize when You are shielding us, as You direct and protect us. Amen.
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Amen Vincent.
Thank you, Vincent. Blessings.
Thanks for the good reminder, Vince.
Thank you for always finding messages in everyday details!
Well-observed, Vince. Grateful for your shared inspiration today.
Vincent, thanks for sharing your observation and application of God’s care and protection.
Thank you, Mr. Walter, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
Blessings.
Thank you, what a sweet comparison … so easily understood and appreciated!!
(N S)
Thanks, Vince, for your encouraging and informative writing this morning. Yes, we are so fortunate to have our loving Lord ever watching out for us and guiding us on the proper path. Blessings.
This is a clear and simple illustration of God’s tender, watchful care of us, His children, as we stumble through our life’s journey, Vincent.
Thank you for giving us something to think about this morning.
And you, and we, are sooo much loved!
I suggest print this off and post it somewhere in your building or where Holy Spirit tells you, for anyone lost to lead them to Jesus.
Thank you SO much for writing and sharing this.
What a charming narrative, and so familiar, from past parenting and present strolling.
Many blessings, Vincent, as you go through today with your loving Father watching over you!
(BC)
Thank you, Vincent. This is so true:
Thankfully, this loving Father is there for each of us, watching over us, just as those parents watched over their toddler. Like that toddler, we need to let Him instruct us in the way of wisdom and lead us along straight paths so that we will not stumble.
Thank you, Vincent. As always, your words are encouraging and one good thing about this aging process is being so thankful to our Lord as we look back on our lives. We all have stumbled at some time but looking back we can see how God has protected, loved, and directed our paths. I just feel so blessed in so many ways.
Have a good day today!
Thanks for this illustration of how God watches over us as we stumble. It was very encouraging.
Also…. This is good material to help illustrate lessons I give to young adults who are feeling their way through life and stumble every now and then.
Keep up the great work!! Many of us are reading every post and soaking it in!
(MD)
Good morning, Vincent,
I find it interesting that Our Daily Bread’s devotional for today was also on “refuge”. I think it means that God wants me to hear this message when it comes to me more than once and in different ways.
Thank you for sharing how you viewed this interaction with the boy and his parents. Thank you for encouraging us to seek guidance from our Lord. Blessings.
Thanks for this reflection, Vince. And for others that we see regularly. Grateful for your own, your mind, and your relationship with the Lord.
Grace and peace.
Dear Vince,
A wonderful Devotional for today. Your Devotionals are so inspiring, and I love the stories you tie into Bible verses.
Thanks for your amazing writings. We the readers are truly Blessed.
Blessings to you also.
(Ont.)
Thank you, Vince for your word as I read them before heading for bed. I find that when I stumble physically or spiritually, the Lord is by to pick me up. When I had my fall recently, He was there and protected me from hitting my head or break any bones, all being blessings beyond. Am I free of pain and discomfort? No, but I tell my pain specialist he and God are a great team helping me through time. At my age I can’t expect to get more strength and balance to return but there are things I can do to help others with phone calls, encouraging words they might need, and other things the Lord may yet have for me to do. I hope and pray you are doing well where you are. May the Lord bless you in many special and surprising ways.
Hello Vincent,
Thank you for sharing your story “A Refuge” in the PresbyCan Daily Devotional.
Indeed the Lord, through our Saviour Jesus Christ, is our fortress and refuge. You have painted a beautiful picture for this.
Thank you,
(ON)