My Hiding Place

"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, O LORD, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as a shield." Psalm 5:11-12

To "take refuge" in the LORD means to trust in, and wait for, God in a place of safety. As a verb, it means to throw oneself into the arms of [the LORD]. In the sanctuary or shelter of His presence His Word says I should be glad and sing for joy.

The one seeking shelter in this Psalm asks the LORD to spread His protection over them. As I read this verse I envision a soft quilt, somewhat worn, mid-air being "spread" over as a covering. What a comforting thought to be under the protective blanket of God's quilt-like covering.

The LORD blesses the righteous - those who seek Him, rejoice in His name and take refuge in Him. He surrounds them with His favor as a shield. Genesis 15:1 says, "Do not be afraid... I am your Shield." Not only is God my Shield, He is my Hiding Place. Psalm 32:7 and 10 say of the Lord: "You are my Hiding Place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance... the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him."

I am not so good at poetry but as I pondered this Psalm these thoughts came to mind a sing-song kind of way, so here goes...

The LORD considers my sighs,
He hears my cries,
And in Him lets me hide.

I pray and I wait,
LORD make my path straight,
While You are my Hiding Place.

Thank You Lord that I can take comfort and find refuge in You. My God, You are my Hiding Place. In the safety of Your presence I can lay my cares and woes and requests before You, knowing that You hear every one and will answer according to Your will. On You I wait expectantly, in safety. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.