A Dwelling Place of Peace and Rest in Uncertain Times
I have a dwelling place of peace and rest in a world that often seems inside out and filled with uncertainty.
A Dwelling Place of Peace and Rest
A 2MefromHim Devotional
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1
I need a dwelling place of safety and peace through the troubled days of COVID and social unrest. It often seems our world has turned inside out, leaving us unprotected and filled with uncertainty.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1 #safety #help #peace Share on XA Dwelling Place Safe from Evil
When the daily news brings only turmoil, I turn to the presence of my Savior and Lord. Prayer and God’s word fill me with hope and comfort. He does not leave me alone and without shelter. I have a place of rest.
Evil ran rampant in Noah’s day, yet God promised to save him. In Genesis 6, the Bible tells us: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”
When the daily news brings only turmoil, I turn to the presence of my Savior and Lord. #trouble #trials #Jesus Share on XA Dwelling Place for God’s Own
However, Noah was a righteous man, who walked faithfully with God. And when God told him to build an ark, he obeyed in everything he was commanded. God puts great store in obedience, in people who put Him first and walk according to the commands in His word. This relationship and careful obedience become my ark, my safe haven in a world gone mad. In Genesis 7, we read that Noah did everything the Lord commanded, and then he and his family, and all the animals, entered the ark, and “Then the Lord shut him in.”
When I stay close to the Lord, He becomes my place of refuge, my ark, safe though tossed on troubled seas. This doesn’t mean I will never experience hard times. However, I have the comfort that nothing can touch me without the express permission of God Himself.
The Lord is my place of refuge, my ark, safe though tossed on troubled seas. #trouble #refuge #peace Share on XWhere to Find a Place of Shelter
Jesus calls those who dwell in His word are His disciples.1 John 4:15 tells us, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” The thought of dwelling and abiding with the God of the universe wraps me in a warm blanket of peace and calm. Like the old hymn by George Robinson reminds me:
His forever, only His;
Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav’n and earth may fade and flee,
Firstborn light in gloom decline,
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine;
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine.
God made it possible to find peace in a troubled world by sending His Son, Jesus, to dwell on earth. Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” What a perfect picture of a God who longs to be known and to know me intimately!
God made it possible to find peace in a troubled world... #peace #safety #hope Share on XA Dwelling Place of Eternal Safety
In a world filled with disease, riots, fires, and hurricanes, I have a haven of safety for now and all eternity. Jesus, my friend, stands with outstretched arms, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)
I have a haven of safety for now and all eternity. #eternity #protection #rest Share on XWill you come?
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36
© Norma Gail Holtman, September 21, 2020
I Am His and He is Mine by George Robinson, Public Domain
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (released May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
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Where Do You Hide When You Want to Escape?
Where do you hide when you want to escape the world? The year 2020 makes me long for a protected place to escape the news and threats that can steal my peace.
Where Do You Hide When You Want to Escape?
2MefromHim Devotionals
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
Where do you hide when you want to escape the world? As a child, one of my favorite hiding places was a shady corner of the backyard under a climbing rosebush. The thorny hideaway created a cool spot to read or to play dolls with the perfect place to hang their clothes. Only two people fit, so my best friend and I could hide without my little sisters intruding because of the thorns.
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 #protection #safety #deliverance Share on X
Where Do You Hide When Trouble Threatens
When David was pursued by King Saul, he hid in the rocky caves of Israel. His Psalms reveal his trust in God’s deliverance because he believed the promise that came through the prophet, Samuel, that he would someday be king. He knew his trouble was temporary.
Dire reports of never again experiencing the freedom we knew before COVID, coupled with questions about upcoming elections, and differing ideologies haunt our waking hours. However, time spent in scripture reminds us that God is our refuge, our hiding place, a strong tower we can run into, and be safe. Our current struggles are also temporary but God’s promise to protect us is forever. In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul writes, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”
Our current struggles are also temporary but God’s promise to protect us is forever. #trials #Godisincontrol #eternallife Share on X
Where Do You Seek Deliverance
The year 2020 makes me long for a protected place to escape the news and threats that can steal my peace. How grateful I am for a Savior who promises to protect me from trouble. What comfort to know God sings songs of deliverance over me.
Part of God’s promise to be hiding place for His people is the promise of protection and deliverance. The word “deliverance” resounds in my mind often these days. Believers must pray fervently for God’s deliverance from the perils we face. We must pray for awareness of and protection from lies that confuse and frighten us. It’s hard to know what information to trust but God knows. He will reveal the truth and bring down strongholds.
Just as when I played safely under the rosebush, God will hide and protect my heart when I place my trust in Him, even if suffering is necessary. Pray fervently for His deliverance from our foes.
God will hide and protect my heart when I place my trust in Him, even if suffering is necessary. #protection #trust #Godisgood Share on X
© Norma Gail Holtman, July 22, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
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Surrounded by God’s Great and Powerful Army
We are surrounded by a great army if Jesus is our Savior, even though we live surrounded by enemies. Dangerous enemies threaten us wherever we go.
Surrounded by God’s Great and Powerful Army
2MefromHim Devotionals
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16
We are surrounded by a great army if Jesus is our Savior, even though enemies threaten on every side. Masks and distancing ourselves have become routine. Visiting downtown areas of cities isn’t safe. Crowds aren’t safe. Elected officials cave to the demands of a few. Dangerous enemies threaten us wherever we go.
Those who are with us are more than those who are with them... 2 Kings 6:16 #devotional #protection #Godisgood Share on XSurrounded by a Great, Invisible Army
The prophet Elisha also lived in dangerous times. Israel faced armies and famines. Enemies were everywhere, and they hunted the prophet because God enabled him to guide Israel to victory. One morning, his servant awakened to an army surrounding the city. However, Elisha knew they were protected by an army invisible to human eyes. When he prayed, God opened his servant’s eyes to an amazing sight. 2 Kings 6:16-17 tells us, “Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire…”
As a child, our daughter was very afraid of the dark. I found a picture of a little girl in her bed guarded by an angel with a flaming sword. That image of God’s protection helped her overcome her fear.
Elisha knew they were protected by an army invisible to human eyes... #Bible #safety #COVID Share on XSurrounded by God’s Protection
Normal life has changed. But God has not. Whether we are besieged by disease, protests, or changes to how we shop for groceries, He is still in control. Believers are surrounded by God’s armies and nothing can harm us until or unless God allows. News reports may seek to frighten us but our faith rests in the God who will not leave us unprotected.
How might our life be different if we could see evidence of God’s protection surrounding us? Dr. David Jeremiah said, “God’s man, in the center of God’s will, is immortal, until God is through using Him.” As believers, seeking God’s will, we will not die one moment before God’s predetermined time. He will either sustain us through or deliver us from every attack until our time on earth is over.
God will either sustain us through or deliver us from attack until our time on earth is over... #Godislove #safety #assurance Share on XTrust in God’s Protection
Live each day to the fullest. Make wise adjustments to your plans according to the best information possible, taking the needs of you and your family into account. However, do not live in fear.
Open your eyes to the power and protection of our loving God. He will keep you safe until all His plans for you are accomplished.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Open your eyes to the power and protection of our loving God. #power #protection #Jesus Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, July 16, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
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My Times Are in Your Hands, Therefore I Trust
“My times are in your hands…” All week, these words played through my mind to the tune of an old hymn. Peace comes with the knowledge that God is in control.
My Times Are in Your Hands, Therefore I Trust
2MefromHim Devotional
My times are in your hands… Psalm 31:15
“My times are in your hands…” All week, these words played through my mind to the tune of an old hymn by William F. Lloyd. Then I discovered a sermon by Charles Spurgeon by the same title. Peace comes with the knowledge that God is in control.
My faith sustains me when the world is filled with turmoil. COVID-19 and social unrest have our world in chaos. Natural disasters, fires, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes rob struggling people of all they possess. Where does your hope reside?
My faith sustains me when the world is filled with turmoil. #faith #hope #anxiety Share on XOur Times Cry for Hope
Psalm 31 reveals David crying out to God, his rock, refuge, and fortress, words that produce the sense of safety, a firm foundation in times of fear and distress. Spurgeon says, “If our lives were not appointed of heaven, we should wish they were. If there were no overruling Providence, we would crave for one.” I long for Jesus’ return because of promised peace.
Psalm 139:16 tells us, “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” I face the unknown with courage because I understand that God has a plan and purpose. Moses prayer, recorded in Psalm 90 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” True wisdom offers hope.
When the downtrodden cry out for justice and disease or disaster threaten, I am comforted by my hope in God. In the words of Job 23:10, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” This time of testing for the entire world provides new opportunities to share the source of our hope with those around us. Moreover, as Christians, we can thrive despite our circumstances because we understand God is in control.
I face the unknown with courage because I understand that God has a plan and purpose. #courage #purpose #Godisincontrol Share on XMy Times Are in God’s Hands
Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” I know peace because all my days rest in the hands of a loving God. Likewise, never have Jesus’ words in John 10:27-29 resounded with such promise. “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 am safe even when the world around me spins out of control.
Do you have the certainty that your life rests in God’s hands?
I am safe even when the world around me spins out of control. #safety #control #fear Share on XMy Times Are in Your Hands
My times are in Thy hand;
My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul I leave
Entirely to Thy care.
My times are in Thy hand;
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.
My times are in Thy hand;
Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.
My times are in Thy hand,
Jesus, the crucified!
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.
My times are in Thy hand,
I’ll always trust in Thee;
And, after death, at Thy right hand
I shall forever be.
Hymn by William F. Lloyd
© Devotional by Norma Gail Holtman, June 14, 2020
My times are in your hands… Psalm 31:15 #Godislove #trust #faith Share on XAbout the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
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When God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me
When perfect peace eludes you, where do you turn? In these days of home quarantine, social distancing, job loss, a divided country, and general unrest, it’s easy to lose my focus on the One who promises perfect peace.
When God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me
2MefromHim Devotionals
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
When perfect peace eludes you, where do you turn? In these days of home quarantine, social distancing, job loss, a divided country, and general unrest, it’s easy to lose my focus on the One who promises perfect peace.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 #peace #Godisgood #COVID19 Share on XGod Reveals Perfect Peace
I gaze out my window at the quiet mountain scenery, where birds soar on the breeze, and patches of snow linger on the tallest peaks. What a picture of perfect serenity! My heart slows after fluttering with unrest while I prayed over situations that distress me. My breathing evens. Tense muscles relax. Nature can offer a glimpse of God’s perfect peace.
Job 37:7 says, “So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor.” God never intended that we should live in stress and fear. When he is my light and salvation, the stronghold of my life, my refuge and strong tower where I can run for safety, I have nothing to fear. Therefore, when I feel a sense of unrest, it alerts me to the fact that I’m not resting in God. I need to cease my labor and concentrate on him.
When I feel a sense of unrest, I need to cease my labor and concentrate on God #stress #Quarantinelife #Godislove Share on XWhen God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me, I’m Captive to Unsettling Thoughts
In reality, perfect peace has eluded me for a long time. Perhaps like me, you’re working your way back to that place of shelter and safety. Dissension in family relationships, life-altering changes, deaths, and my own tendency to fear traps me in a place of unrest, focused on people and circumstances.
However, even though I spend time in God’s word, if I don’t let his words sink deep into the soil of my heart, they die like flowers in drought. Rather than standing steadfast, I’m captive to every unsettling thought that enters my mind. Can you identify?
Even though I spend time in God’s word, if I don’t let his words sink deep into the soil of my heart #scripture #meditation #faith Share on XWhen God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me, I Need to Remember Who Holds Me Safe
Sometimes I feel like a sheep while a wolf stalks nearby. Yet, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Isaiah 49:16 tells me, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Jesus echoes the same thought in John 10, where he says that no one can snatch me out of the Father’s hands. Don’t you love the imagery of being held safe, like a little bird in the hands of God?
I long to abide in Jesus so deeply that nothing causes my trust to falter. Therefore, if I must return to God’s word time and again throughout the day, I will do so. My place of refuge is safe in the Father’s hands. Will you try that this week when fear threatens?
My place of refuge is safe in the Father’s hands #security #JesusChrist #hope Share on X© Norma Gail Thurston, April 25, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
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