For the past few weeks I've been working my way through Beth Moore's Bible study Breaking Free. With each new day of homework a new challenge is laid out before me. Am I willing to delve deep - to the most inner parts of my heart and soul - allowing God to open up old wounds, new hurts and daily struggles in order to walk away from this ten week study fully embracing freedom and grace? It's not been an easy task. I find myself longing to run and hide; hide from people, hide from uncomfortable situations, hide from the truth inside. However, each time I feel the temptation to run in the opposite direction of true freedom and liberation, I sense the Holy Spirit gently pulling me back and whispering words of comfort to my soul. He is urging me to stop running from the junk hidden behind walls of false peace and protection, but rather run and hide in him. As he reveals those areas in my life that are holding me back from fearless abandonment, he also reveals to me the shadow of his wings, the covering of his presence and the peace of his protection. There is no fear in deliverance because God is always there to watch over and hide me in his shadow.
Psalm 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Wherever you are in your journey, remember, God is with you. His eye is forever upon you. When your feet are two steps away from running as far from your mountain as they can possibly take you, remind yourself that there is no better place to run and hide than the shadow of the One who loves you more than life itself. His wings will hold you firm and secure, and he will protect you from unnecessary harm. He will give you the grace and strength to face your biggest fears and conquer your mountain once and for all. Run to him...hide in him. Know freedom in the secret places of your soul. Find refuge in the shadow of the Almighty.