protection Archives - Marissa Henley

A couple of years ago, my son and I joined his classmates at nearby camp for a day of activities. The schedule included hiking, nature studies, and a visit to one of those bizarre ropes-course contraptions that you only find at camp. This one is called “The Screamer.”

One by one, a kid was harnessed in, and the rest of the classmates pulled on a big rope to hoist the victim to what seemed like an irresponsible height. Then the kids on the ground would let go of the rope and the daredevil would go swinging through the air like a giant pendulum until the laws of physics eventually brought him to a stop.

I thought, It’s a good thing this is only for kids.

And then they asked if any of the moms wanted to try.

I never want to pass up an opportunity to make memories with my kids. So I strapped on that harness and up I went. All I could think in the moment before the kids let go of the rope was, “I really hope this harness holds.”

What are you trusting to hold you today as you fly through life? God’s Word says those who belong to Him are held by His righteous right hand.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

(Isaiah 41:10)

His presence is the antidote for our fear. We don’t have to be dismayed, because He is ours, and we are His. Through all the storms and trials of life, He will keep His promise to strengthen us, help us, and uphold us.

He’s got us. He’s not letting go. His righteous right hand will never fail to hold us.

No matter what you face this week, God holds you with His unfailing strength.

I’ve had some stressful driving experiences, but nothing comes close to the time I was lost in Brooklyn, New York, during rush hour on a Friday afternoon. I took the exit into Brooklyn and needed to cross several lanes in a short distance to make a left turn and stay on my predetermined route. (This was in ancient times, before GPS and phones with map apps!)

But it was New York, not Arkansas. Not even the driver with a front license plate identifying him as a priest would let me pull in front of him. I didn’t make it to the left turn lane, and I was lost. My surroundings terrified me, and I didn’t know how to find my way to safety. All I had was a paper map, panicked tears, and desperate prayers.

Sometimes life feels similar to those jam-packed streets of Brooklyn. We’re confused and overwhelmed as we struggle to find our way . But Psalm 46 tells us we have a refuge in times of fear:

“‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:10-11)

When I hear the words “be still,” I’m reminded of the relief that washed over me as I parked in front of my friend’s Brooklyn apartment. Her knowledge of the city protected me from panic and fear as I blissfully followed her around the city. Her presence was a refuge in an environment that felt scary when I was alone.

When life feels chaotic and confusing, I can be still. I know the One who knows all things. He is God—I am not. He is with me, and He is my fortress. He will show me the way.

Whatever you face this week, you can be still and trust the One who knows the way.

God Holds You With His Unfailing Strength {No Matter What Monday}

Be Still {No Matter What Monday}