Yesterday, I shared my heart-story about Ruth and praying to the LORD –gleaning from the field in which we currently find ourselves. Well, I didn’t share the whole of my prayer with you, so here is the rest of that prayer.
“LORD, like Ruth we lay at your feet, ready for you to cover us. We long for You, our Kinsman Redeemer. Without your covering, we will be completely without hope.”
Let’s talk about covering. We all do it. It’s something that we do to find security, to put up walls around ourselves, to guard ourselves from perceived harm. For example, I have felt much security in the fact that we have a job, home, life insurance, and health insurance. In the past, I also have found security in food–a full pantry and a full stomach. So I have been throwing off “coverings” on my person that God would like for me to take off–layers that have built up over the years for what I would certainly call protection. I perceived that I was safer. But my perceptions were wrong.
So here we are in our field, and God has certainly removed some protective coverings from our lives, making us feel exposed to the elements. But we have learned not to rely on those things, but to rely on Him. He is our cover. For we know and rely on the love God has for us. (1 John 4:16a)
Also in our field, I have been exercising and losing weight–50 pounds so far. But I will not find refuge in that–I keep ever before me the fact that the LORD is requiring me to throw off what hinders. (Hebrew 12:1) Not only am I throwing off what hinders, but also I am praying, praising and learning more about God’s Word, as I exercise. So I can’t wait for that time every day. I’m not there, yet, but I am pressing on. (Philippians 3:12)
On top of that, we are daily laying down our rights. (1 John 3:16) We are not letting a bitter root grow up. (Hebrews 12:15) We are seeking the LORD while He may be found. (Isaiah 55:6) And we are just plain having fun with our family. (Psalm 68:6)
There is still some work to be done here in our home. I can’t say what all the LORD is doing, but I know it is for good. And I want it all. On the other side of this tunnel, there is some freedom to be gained and a healthy way of living mentally, physically, and spiritually.
God will cover us. He already has by the blood of Jesus. That’s what He has done–He covered our sins with His shed blood on the cross. He has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. But also He is continuing to cover us. May His glory so be on us that, like Moses, we must cover our faces from the brightness of His glory before others. Then may we shine as His lights in this dark world.
But you’ll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to you. Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration. You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight. (Psalm 5:11 The Message)
I’m thanking you, God, out in the streets, singing your praises in town and country. The deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud’s a flag to your faithfulness. Soar high in the skies, O God! Cover the whole earth with your glory! And for the sake of the one you love so much, reach down and help me—answer me! (Psalm 108:3 The Message)
What coverings does Christ want you to surrender to Him today? Uncover, my friends. Then let Him cover you. He is a mighty Refuge. He is a firm shelter that will not fail or falter. He is a secure dwelling for you and all that concerns you this day and always.
