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Sacred Space

 Knowing that God has been on the move in my life, it was no surprise that this week has been full of spiritual attacks. Physically, emotionally, and mentally the enemy took full advantage of my recent comfort. The joke, however, is on him. When my heart grows heavy and my mind fills with doubt, I turn to the One who whispers the truth. 

Don't get me wrong. I spent a solid afternoon in bed one day this week after battling sickness in my body. I would hardly call that time "sacred." But when I look back at every moment that felt like a gut punch, I can see it for what it truly is. And then I can lean into Jesus.

Some days this week it took all of my strength to whisper His name and ask for help. It was even harder to hear Him through the unrelenting lies playing through my mind. I have to press in and dig my heels in to stand firmly on Christ the solid rock. If I'm being honest, the lies are still playing like a broken record. But I refuse to live in defeat. Instead, I put my tomorrow and my worries into the hands of God. I will most assuredly still be battling in the days ahead, so I have to be intentional to pray, praise, repeat. Because I know that God hasn't left me to be tormented. The Bible tells me so.

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." (Psalm 91 NLT)

This is one of my all-time favorite scriptures. Songs have been sung about it. Messages have been preached about it. But when you live it, there is such a beautiful understanding of the sacred space that God prepares just for you. Even as I write these words, I am reminded of the words to such a powerful song: "It may look like I'm surrounded, but I'm surrounded by You."

When we hide in the sacred space, the attack may not cease immediately. But you have peace because your are resting the arms of the One who fights for you. And when you lift your head again, He will be there to raise you up for His glory.

© 2024 Jill Cook. All rights reserved.

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