Tonight I had the chance to visit a church and share with parents and children about Camp Vick. Often I travel to this type of event by myself, every now and again the whole gang comes with me, but tonight was a more unique occurrence: I traveled with three children (9, 5 and 3 years old). So, with Dad on soccer game duty … I took to the road with the remaining children… hoping this would all work out!

I had never been to this church before and this was the closing night of a church children’s program complete with games, face painting, food and a bouncy house.

Joel (3 years old) is not my most outgoing child. At an event like this he, for the most part, stays right by my side, holding my hand even. I have been known to wish that he would let go of my hand and play with more ease… but not tonight. Tonight I was thankful he stayed so close, thankful that he would ask before he went to play, thankful that he would come running right back to my side at any sign of “danger.” Because this was a VERY busy event, with A LOT of people, in an area we didn’t know, with people we didn’t know. Joel did just what he should have done AND (here is the kicker) he had a fantastic time!

Just a few minutes ago I realized how much my walk with God could benefit from Joel’s example.

What if I remembered WHO really keeps me SAFE and CHOSE to HOLD ONTO God?

What if I could be CONTENT staying CLOSE to God’s side?

What if I SOUGHT God before “running off” to do things that seemed enticing?

What if I RAN back to God at the SMALLEST sign of DANGER?

What if I was SATISFIED with the OPPORTUNITIES and the PROTECTION God offers?

Hm… really has me thinking… and reading Psalm 91

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

he is my God, and I trust him.

3 For he will rescue you from every trap

and protect you from deadly disease.

4 He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

7 Though a thousand fall at your side,

though ten thousand are dying around you,

these evils will not touch you.

8 Just open your eyes,

and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,

if you make the Most High your shelter,

10 no evil will conquer you;

no plague will come near your home.

11 For he will order his angels

to protect you wherever you go.

12 They will hold you up with their hands

so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;

you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.

15 When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

16 I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation.”

~Jillene