I kinda want to follow-up on what we were talking about last week with God’s protection and security in Psalm 91. I’ve been wrestling with God a bit … I’ve been feeling cautious and, also expectant. Our church is doing 21 Days Of Prayer, where we fast and pray. There are prayer points, but Dean and I wanted to lean in a little further and believe God for specific things for us individually, as a couple, our family, and our future.

I’m cautious because, honestly, after the last couple of years, hope is hard. The whole “not sure if the rug is going to be pulled out from under me” thing. I’m also expectant because God is still God. He still moves mountains. He is still faithful and worthy of our trust. If I trust God, then I can have hope. sort of. most days. when the doubt is kept at bay. when my focus is on Him and not the million things that could happen.

John 10:28&29: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can’t snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

What a great and powerful promise!

There is no one or nothing that can snatch = pluck, seize, steal us away like a robber from the hallow of His hand. No one is going to take Jesus by surprise, He is always watching out for us! AND then there’s God! We are doubled up here with protection and covering. So, no matter what I need to face this year, I can know I am not alone. That I am safe and loved.

Two more thoughts:

1. Jesus in John 10 talks about how He is the Good Shepherd, we are His sheep. When it was night the sheep would go into an enclosure with only walls, no door. There were several herds all gathered there at night. The shepherd(s) would lay down in the doorway so he would know if a sheep tried to get out or someone was trying to get in. Then in the morning each shepherd would call his sheep and only his sheep would follow him. “I am the good Shepherd, I know my sheep and my sheep know me…” V. 4 What a beautiful picture we have how much Jesus watches over us and cares for us. Also, if you think about how much time the shepherd spent with the sheep so they would know him, he was present. He didn’t hand it off to someone else. He hung out with them, talked to them, played with them and protected them. They felt safe with him. Also, what are we doing to learn His voice in our lives? We need to make sure we are spending time with Him and getting to know Him.

2. Psalm 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” This is so special and interesting! (it makes me giddy) The Hebrew word “ishon” is used here for apple. “Ish” means man. “Ishon” means the little man in the eye. Have you ever looked so closely in someone’s eye that you see your reflection in it? That’s what that means. God is so closely watching us and focused on us, we are the ‘little man’ in His eye. You guys! Can you even handle how awesome this is?! We are completely cherished, we are also guarded with complete protection.

What a beautiful and wonderful promise. No matter what happens in our lives or what comes against us or what we have to walk through we are not alone!

We are seen - We are loved - We are watched over - We are protected - We are cherished.

Let’s walk into this new week and new year with that confidence and knowledge. Our security and trust is not dependent on what this year will look like or not look like. It is not going to waver in tough and hard times. Our security and trust in the One who fiercely and completely holds us!!!!!!!

Who (besides me) feels like shooting a confetti gun or jumping up and down would be great right now?!

I hope you have a wonderful day sweet loved one.
All My Love ~
Jodi xoxo

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