Dear Ones,                                                                                                                                                                   

 

I was recently meditating upon James 4:8, where it tells us to come near to God and He will come near to us. I had this picture of me bumping into Jesus who was walking a little ahead of me to my right. In my imagination, I saw myself as a child, walking so closely to my Lord that when He stopped I’d accidentally graze Him. I sensed Him encouraging me that He wanted me to walk this closely to Him because He doesn’t mind me bumping into Him repeatedly. He actually delights in my nearness and reaches to hold my hand. I thought of Psalm 73:23, 28 (NLT)…“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge…”

 

‭‭Soon after this time, I read a devotional that beautifully expressed this same sentiment, but with more depth. The author writes, “The key to your safety is to always stay close to the Shepherd and remain within the flock. How close? Close enough to spend every moment in His shadow. He is the safest place to be. “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1 NLT). Make it your mission to spend every moment at the Lord's side. He will use His awesome power to place a hedge of protection around you that nothing can penetrate” (JESUS 3-6-5, Michael Koulianos, p. 84).

 

This reminded me again of my childhood when I would go with my dad somewhere to eat, visit or go on errands. I always believed NOTHING could touch me! My dad was an invincible shield in my childlike understanding, and I knew confidently that I was absolutely safe. Although this was not an accurate assessment of my earthly dad, it absolutely is true of my Heavenly Dad! What wonderful confidence & rest is ours as we take hold of this reality! In John 10:27-30 (NLT) Jesus wonderfully said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” Beloved ones, we are always held by our VERY GOOD Heavenly Father, so let’s remember to stay close and bump into Him throughout every day because He loves us with an everlasting love and is pleased to draw close to us all! ​ ​

 

By His side, 

Veronica Leach