This is my first post for Five Minute Friday (on Twitter #fmfparty), hosted by Kate Montaung. This is a wonderful community who write for five minutes on the topic of the week . This week’s topic is HIDE. Here I go, five minutes, a short, meditative post!
For years, my soul often cried out “stop the world I want to get off“. Today, I seek shelter in the shadow of God’s wings, where I hide from the lure of reckless striving, materialism, hearts growing hardened, news of droughts and murders, and the horrors of ISIS.
We just can’t hold it all, we’re too small, weak, sensitive, just mere humans. Messy people in an uncertain world.
My hiding place is a safe place. Here, like King David, I find shelter from callous hearts, mouths that speak with arrogance, and from those who track me down and surround me.
I know these verses well, as I meditate on them throughout my days. The world, full of beauty, also harbors hate, harshness, and evil.
Bound by agape love in this hiding place, we’re able to be in the world, but not be of it.
In the shadow of God’s wings, we can walk through the minefields in our days, and yet be guided to still waters.
God is our hiding place, protecting us from trouble.
God, who stops the world for us, and moves mountains.
Welcome to the community from one of the few men here (yes, there is no expressed or hidden clause hindering men to attend :-)). Yes, God is our only hiding place. We are too fragile for this world, and since God does not want to stop the world to let us get off, the only reasonable thing to do is to hide in the shadow of his wings, just the way he wants us to do. Thank you for your fine post!
I love that you’re here Lars, I was hoping more men would stop by since I intended HVQ for everyone!! In fact I’ve invited a few of my male friends to sign up for the blog, but they haven’t yet. I’ll be sure to remind them! Hope you will continue to join us here! I really relate when you say we’re too fragile for this world..sometimes that is just how I feel..too sensitive. How blessed we are to know we can return to the shadow of God’s wings for comfort, to experience the truth of the words, ‘come to me all you who are weary..” Do continue coming to visit and consider signing up for future blogs!
God definitely is our hiding place. He’s the One we can run to when everything seems like it’s falling, He’s the One we can run to when everything is going too fast. He definitely is the One who moves the mountains.
Thanks for sharing!! Visiting from #fmfparty
Thank you much Trisha for visiting today and for taking the time to read the blog and for your encouragement! I’ll be eager to read some of your posts!
Hi Kathy,
I’m so glad that you posted on Michelle DeRusha’s blog in response to what I’d said (thank you, btw!), otherwise I would not have known that there is such a thing as a Vacation Queen (though I think I am Queen of my street–does that count?!). Seriously, this is beautifully said–so much profundity, all in the space of five minutes! I remember my aunt taking me to see Stop the World, I want to Get Off, at the theatre when I was a teen. I was very impressed with Anthony Newley’s music, and the acting was terrific. I don’t remember much about the story line, lo, these many years later, but I do recall the protagonist putting out his hand (kind of like Diana Ross and the Supremes–I’m dating myself!–in Stop! in the name of Love), and then he yelled: “Stop the world, I want to get off.” I totally get your angst. I thnk this has been the scariest time in my entire life to live on this planet. I fear for our daughter’s future and my nieces and nephews. I almost don’t want to leave my house. But you are so right. Our house is not are hiding place, but God’s wings. He goes everywhere we do, and not for one second, are we outside His protection. Thank you for a beautiful post, which encourages me to take heart and take hope and trust in God, my hiding place. And this line here: “God, who stops the world for us, and moves mountains,” is worth the price of admission! Our God who created the world and keeps it spinning at breakneck speed, will stop it just for us….stop everything to give us His undivided attention and care. He moves mountains, and He is moved by our concerns. Thank you for reminding me of His love and watchcare. Keep writing. You’re good . . . and insightful!
Love
Lynn
Hi Lynn, Thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging post! I love your memory about the seeing Stop the World I want to Get Off (I’m a theater lover!)! You are so right in saying “I think this has been the scariest time in my entire life to live on this planet..” It really is such a strange time in the world with so much to be frightened about. (I try not to watch the news, it makes it all seem even more close to home) Abiding in God is the only way to peace in midst of the crazy world! I’m so glad my post today inspired you to return to the great counselor and comforter. Reading the many of the Psalms helps me remember the power of returning! I’ll be looking forward to getting to know you better. Many blessings to you today!
Kathy, more encouragement from you. thank you so much. Yes, I watch way too much news. I like to stay informed, and yet much of it is fearful (about which I can do nothing), repetitive, and sensational. You are wise beyond your years. And yes, how I love the psalms–David’s wonderful prayer journal. I write my prayers, and I am so grateful for his insp;iration to do so. Do sign me up to receive your posts. Looking fwd to reading more. Blessyou!
Love
Lynn
Thank you so much, Lynn for your thoughtful and meaningful words! I will certainly sign you up for my blog, I will love to have you here! Also, any wisdom I have is from God no doubt, and from many trials! Also–I look younger than I really am.. getting up there.. good genes and try to be healthy!
You might be interested in my spiritual journey on my first blog..it’s been an interesting one!
I’d love to know more about your health journey, for sure, but mostly your spiritual one. How can I find that?
Tx!
Thanks Lynn! My spiritual journey is was my first blog..here’s the link! I’m honored!
http://www.holyvacationqueen.com/myspiritualjourney/
Kathy, I thought you might like to read my guest post for Jennifer Lee, which is to encourage writers like you not to get discouraged in the wilderness. I pray it brings you hope!
Love
Lynn
http://jenniferdukeslee.com/featured-tellhisstory-writer-lynn-d-morrissey-and-a-book-giveaway/
I’d love to read your inspiring blog Lynn! I’ll do so when I get a chance and I’ll leave a note! Thank you!
Wow! A truly inspiring post on writing..so encouraging and true. I will keep this close to refer to often! I just love ‘Word-shapers are world-shapers’– yes, that’s it! What gems you shared! Thank you for sending your link along!
I’m not blogging, so I was so grateful to Jennifer for the invitation to do so, when she did a series on writing. I”m a traditionally published author, so blogging is a whole new ball game! 🙂 I’m so glAd that you found this encouraging, and pray that God upholds and guides you in your wilderness journey!
Love
Lynn
I’ll look forward to reading your books, Lynn!
Thank you, Kathy. I would just say that my passion book is the last one. It’s on prayer-journalng, and how God transformed me through this incredible gift of reflective writing. It’s called Love Letters to God: Deeper Intimacy through Written Prayer. Don’t feel obgligated, of course, but just if the topic piques your interest. =]
Blessings,
Lynn
I have kept journals for years, so journaling is close to my heart..now that I look back, journaling has been like a prayer! So I will love to read your book, and will be sure to put it on my list of next books! I’ll very much look forward to reading it!
Back in middle school (MANY years ago) – I had a button with that phrase: “Stop the world, I want to get off.” And many days I can relate! Welcome to Five Minute Friday! – Sarah
Thank you so much Sarah! I’d love a button like that just as a reminder.. there are those days!
I just love your troll post! Fantastic!
OH MY STARS I love this so much!!! I am so proud of you for being brave, and playing along, and hitting publish! This is amazing! (and a little addicting… be forewarned! There is a freedom in knowing you don’t have to edit or rethink things. You just let it flow and hit publish!) Great job, my friend!
Thank you — you are my encouragement Karrilee!! I have been reading your posts and some others and really go inspired by the free form writing! And it’s such a good exercise in speaking from the heart! I can see how you’d want to do it over and over again! I so much appreciate your inspiration!
I just read your note over and saw you ‘don’t have to edit’.. which I did on this somewhat in this post. Ooops forgot that was part of the five minute posts! That will be a real challenge, but I can see by all your posts, you all do such a great job with no editing! Wow!
Welcome and congrats on your first FMF post, Kathy 🙂 Loved your image of hiding with God. Life still continues and by seeking His shelter, He strengthens us to survive each day.
Thank you Sabrina for your welcoming comment! I’ll look forward to connecting with you again. I love reading the Psalms to be reminded day in and day out of our great need God’s grace in the midst of this challenging world!
I also just read your wonderful, honest post! Yes, when we hide, we cannot be the lights for the world, and I bet you have so much to offer!