It is not uncommon to find myself awakened from a deep sleep in the middle of the night. Most of the time it’s because my mind won’t stop pondering the different scenarios of whatever circumstance or crisis I find myself in. I usually toss from side to side, which leads to stirring my snoring, sleeping spouse which inevitably leads to what I have coined “The Claw.” It never fails that his arm comes flying out from the other side of the bed and encircles my entire body, pulls me close to him and grips me tightly. Often times I hear a “Shhhhh” to quiet my crying or a whisper of “What’s wrong? Do you need something?” I hardly ever answer and we’ve been at this game so long he rightfully knows that no words means he can go back to sleep. As I lay there underneath the dead weight of his clutch, I am reminded of a promise that the Psalmist wrote about in Chapter 91:1-12 (MSG), “You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s (God’s) shadow. Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right - He rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you - under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing, not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home. Evil can’t get close to you, harm can‘t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and serpents from the path.”
In the midst of fretful nights, when faith and fear collide, I am encased with a reminder (my husband’s claw), that God promises to be my protector, my shield and my comfort, come what may. The word refuge means a shelter or protection from danger, difficulty; a person or thing that gives shelter, help, or comfort. You may not have an actual arm that grips you in the dead of night, but you do have a heavenly Father who loves you and who has promised that if you make Him your home, if you put your hope and trust in Him, He will be your refuge, your shield and will protect you and keep you safe, no matter what comes your way.
Needing some shelter today? Try the arms of Jesus. They are outstretched and waiting for you.