When Life Gives You Mud Puddles

"But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May You shelter them, and may those who love Your name boast about You." Psalm 5:11

As I have been traveling these wet, rain slicked, soggy roads lately trying to find the sunshine amongst all the damp dreariness, I look around at nature and the animals to see how they are coping with all of this.

The other day I drove past pasture land that is right down the 'country road' from our home, a pretty good shower of rain was falling and I noticed a herd of cows congregated under a big oak tree. What seemed funny to me was they had positioned themselves under the tree facing outward as if they were using the tree as a huge umbrella. They seemed quiet content to wait out the downpour while taking shelter from the storm (maybe they are also growing weary of all the wetness). As I scanned the horizon of the 'cattle playpen' there were lone cows standing and grazing on hay; some were striding along like it was a crisp, clear Winter's day; others were partaking at the pond's edge for a cool drink (I would definitely be in the company of the tree huddlers). For the most part I believe the majority of them were never affected by all the rain, but for the few (12 plus) they needed reprieve. They desired to come out of the daily shower they were getting. They chose to have a bit of refuge from what has lately become the norm for our weather pattern.

If I could have pranced right up to the group under the tree with my notebook and microphone in hand and ask them for a quick interview there probably would have been some complaining done about the flooded areas in their parts; the mud holes that were growing larger by the drop. They might have carried on about feeling cold and chaffed and moldy. Maybe a few would have questioned the smell of mildew and other odors that occasionally past through their nostrils (standing so closely under that tree and all). But I bet all of them would have been praising the relief they had under that big oak, and boasting that if not for the rain over all the years this tree would not have the growth to shelter them.

I boast the more gladly in my Lord Jesus Christ! He covers me with His hand and in His wing I find protection. I thank Him for being the God that stands behind His promises and will never leave me. I am grateful for the chances He gives me over and over again to come before Him with all my baggage and lay it before Him, as if He didn't already know, and for Him to wipe it all away as far as the East is from the West.

I rejoice in His presence and hold on to His robe of righteousness! He is the One true God! He writes out my everyday in His plan and He holds me in His palm. He walks beside me and before me and picks me up when I fall. He is the God who sees, knows and forgives anyway. I praise His name! I take refuge in His shelter always. He protects me when life rains down on me and He prepares a shelter so that I can face the storms...but never alone. He will guide me and direct me all the while standing before me. He is the God of mercies! He is faithful!

Take some time today to boast in the Lord, He is worthy of your praise. And if it happens to be raining on this day...go ahead, dance a little (refer to post 'Don't Forget Your Umbrella').

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, I am forever indebted to Your grace each and everyday, I am most unworthy. Thank You for forgiveness and redemption and more chances than I can count. Thank You for all the rain, but most importantly thank You for the Shelter. Your praise is always on my lips! In Jesus' name. Amen.