surrounded by love

Saturday, July 13, 2013 (7:41 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You for the love with which You surround us. I turn to Your Word (Deuteronomy 33:12) and get to read some of Moses' words. “The people of Benjamin are loved by the Lord and live in safety beside Him. He surrounds them continuously and preserves them from every harm.” What a comfort Your presence is.

Reading in Psalms there is more mention of those surrounded by Your love. Such peace and hope surrounds us every time we come to You with confessions of sin and public praise of Your goodness and grace. Father, You are so good to us. Thank You.

“For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love” (Psalm 5:12). Peace. Comfort. Hope. Joy. Thank You Father.

Psalm 33:20-22 says, “We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only He can help us; He protects us like a shield. No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting Him. We trust His holy name. Yes, Lord, let Your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in You alone.” Yes Lord. Thank You for surrounding us with Your love.

In Psalm 32, David speaks of confessed sin and Your forgiveness bringing joy (vs. 1-6). He acknowledged You as his hiding place (v. 7) and shared Your promise to “instruct you [says the Lord] and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress” (8).

Today is the anniversary of my mom's birth. All the days of my life she surrounded me with her love. How blessed I am to know that. All of this is true because of Your forgiving love that encompasses us all. Such truth is not to be taken lightly nor for granted.

On this day that I get to set aside special time to remember her loving and generous ways, I am even more blessed to be able to turn to Your Word and get serious counsel.

“Don't be like a senseless horse or mule that has to have a bit in its mouth to keep it in line! Many sorrows come to the wicked, but abiding love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. So rejoice in Him, all those who are His, and shout for joy, all those who try to obey Him” (Psalm 32:9-11).

As I shout for joy and try to obey You, I wholeheartedly add a huge “Happy Birthday, Mom! And thank you for surrounding us with your love all the days of our lives.” Thank You Father for teaching us that all the true love we experience is begun in You.

Let me use Your lessons and Your love well this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(469 words ~ 8:54 a.m.)