“The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand." Psalms 121:5 NKJV
I went through a lot of pain in 2023, something that was so stable in my eyes had crumbled down. Days turned into a relentless cycle of picking up the scattered bricks, attempting to rebuild what once stood strong. Each time I thought I had succeeded, it would collapse again, leaving me with fresh scars and scratches. In the face of profound pain, many turn to immoralities like alcohol, drugs, or sexual connections to numb the ache, but that’s not me! I wasn’t raised like that. Even if I was, the Holy Spirit would convict me.
Instead, I chose a different route, I humbled myself before the throne of God. Whenever worry gripped me, I enveloped myself in worship. In moments of confusion, I silently whispered in my heart, “Lord, I don’t understand, but I trust you.” Since I barely had anything else to do besides work and school, I even challenged myself with my best friend to read the entire Bible in just 90 days. I am proud to say that we succeeded.
My pain didn’t immediately disappear as soon as I went to God. Oh darling, that would be such a lie. I would ask God why, I would try to surrender this issue to God, then lean on my own understanding a few hours later, I would grapple with “what ifs,” I would compare with my best friends, anything to just help me get that pain away. I wasn’t perfect in my decisions and thoughts, but I am grateful that I sought refuge in my Father. My point is there is a purpose in the pain that pushes you closer to God. Still to this day, I ask myself millions of questions but I don’t linger on them like I used to because I trust in someone who has greater plans for me. That is Jesus. His comforting presence, as depicted in Psalms 23, and the peace bestowed upon me transformed the thousands of tears I shed into a meaningful journey.
While some pray for the pain to be taken away, I propose a different question: What if you ask Jesus to walk through the fire with you? One thing about my God, he will protect you, he will ensure that not a single hair on your head is burned in the flames. Hey! If you want to let go of God’s hand and touch fire, do you Sweetie. But honey, once you are holding his hand, you are immediately enveloped in a bubble of protection. “Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:9-12). Sadness that brings you closer to God is better than happiness that takes you away from Him. Be grateful for the wounds that push you toward God. Rejoice in the suffering as mentioned in James 1:2.
As we stepped into the precious 2024, everyone wrote down goals and New Year’s resolutions and even did reflections. I found myself doing some personal reflections on my identity in being the daughter of a King, particularly in the aspect of being hidden in God. I was reflecting on my experiences in friendships and relationships over the years. For those who are no longer present in my life, not all can claim to have truly known me. This sentiment doesn’t stem from pride or ego but rather from the daily protection bestowed upon me by my Heavenly Father.
Allow me to illustrate with an example from a few years ago when my pastor shared words of knowledge with my close friends and me. In that session, specific insights were provided regarding various aspects of our lives. Friend #1 received hers and a boy was involved. Friend #2 received hers and a boy was involved. Friend #3 received hers and a boy was involved. When it was my turn, there was silence. I said “Oh oh” Obviously as a teenage girl yearning for that young love, I was a bit concerned but I didn’t say anything. Years later, I confided in my pastor about that disappointment, and her response echoed in my heart: “Honey, you are hidden in God.” This revelation expanded my awareness of the numerous areas where God shielded me. I was speechless and I began to thank God for his protection. There is an anointing over my life and I am so sensitive to it that not everyone is allowed in my circle. Anything that poses harm, distraction, or jeopardizes my destiny is swiftly removed by God. The people that are currently in my life are present because they were appointed by God in his divine orchestration.
The heart of my message is this: we have desires, be it friendships, relationships, or job/career opportunities, that God may withhold because he sees something that you cannot see in the physical. When you get what you want, it is God’s direction; and when you don’t get what you want, it is God’s protection. That season of isolation is not for the weak, but it is vital. Let’s take Joseph for example, Joseph was hidden and isolated in prison, he was betrayed and sold by his brothers. They could not see what Joseph saw because they were blinded. After that season, God blessed Joseph tenfold than what he had to endure. Another servant in the Bible is Job.
When God chooses to hide you for a time, He is preparing you for a greater purpose. Stay put on the preparation for the season you are praying for and be discerning of the people you allow in your surroundings. As expressed in Psalms 17:8, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,” remember, you are the apple of God’s eyes, He would never want to put you in a position where you do not belong, and He desires only the best for you, now and always.
As we hold on dearly to the knowledge of being hidden in God and by God, let’s pray with the authority that he has graced us with:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you, Lord, for protecting me with all of your might. Though I yearn for new experiences, you are the one who establishes my steps. I realize that I have angels to shield me from things that I cannot see, so thank you. I pray to always surrender my will to you even if it doesn’t make sense. I am the apple of your eye and you care for me so deeply that you would never allow things to destroy me. I pray that whenever I hurt, I draw near to you because, in your Word, you say that you are near to the broken-hearted. I pray that my heart is open to receive healing and peace that can only come from you. Thank you in advance for the joy you will bestow upon me. Amen
With love,
Carmaïssa
Leave a Reply