I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
Psalm 34:4-9 ESV
My heart pounds as she drives behind us with a friend in the passengers seat. Four hours to the place where she experienced the formative years of grace, to embrace reunion of celebration with ones who held her hands in childhood. A first for the teenager, and the one who gave birth to her sixteen years ago; to let go and trust in the journey.
We hug the necks of the ones who believe in hope and watch the future wave her hand, while filling the stomach full of sweet remembrance.
The Pslamist declares what is true. Truth for the ones who lived in a time faraway like distant fog, still relevant in the here and now. We fear the one who holds time in His hands . . . . and lack nothing.
May you know today, and every day, the fear of God that brings true and everlasting fulfillment.
It seems life is a series of letting go. Baby steps, huh? I remember when my daughter learned to drive. To be honest, the passenger seat with her seemed much more risky than travelling in a completely different car – at least as far as our relationship was concerned. 🙂
Yes, those baby steps in all areas of life it seems. And looking back I am thankful for that. I agree with you about it being easier than the passengers seat. I drive her crazy!
I loved your post. My daughter just got her permit today. 🙂 I totally understand. Time goes by so fast. But God is the same today as He was in the past. Through each stage God is right there with us. Things are so much better when we give it over to Him and stand in awe of who He is. Thanks for sharing,
We are in the same boat. I was just talking to friends about all the silly things we worried about when they were little that seem trivial. I will probably look back on this stage and feel the same way.
This was a passage I didn’t go through. My daughter was stealing our car when she was 14. She’d had a lot of practice by the time she finally got a license. We sought the Lord many, many times.
I adore the soft colors of this photo. Gazing…gazing.
Oh wow Sandy, that would be tough. I can’t imagine that. I love the way this photo turned out in the series I took. It almost doesn’t look real. Thanks!
Such a beautiful reminder that only what we place in His loving hands will flourish…
I love Psalm 34 — it was the first Psalm that I read, loved, and carried in my heart. The word “ALL” in vs 4 is so comforting to me.
So glad I found you. Deidra is really pointing me in all lovely directions… 🙂
Deidra is a good one to lead you to good things. So glad you visited here and left a comment.
I will be back — you are nicely settled into my Google reader. Hope you had a refreshing weekend. 🙂
Dear Shelly,
You might find this a bit humorous, but I got my dog just after the third of our four children left home. My dog’s name is Shelly. Launching kids left me needing a friend. Shelly has been my best friend for 12 years. We’re getting arthritis together!
All four of my kids are on their own now. They have their up’s and down’s and my heart is fearful and stressed some of the time for them, but entrusting them to the Lord makes all the difference. I loved your prose and the way the picture was taken…so complementary.
Dawn, so nice to meet you and this is the first time I have heard of a dog with my name. How fun! I actually just lost my dog about a month ago to cancer. One of the hardest things I have walked through so far. He was a precious companion for nine years.
Beautiful photo and a verse and post very meaningful to me at this time.
Elizabeth, this is timely for you. Praying!
Funny…I’m reading this as I’m saying a prayer for my son, under my breath. He is driving his sister to church because they have to be there early. They never get too old to worry about, which is good because we can continually put them in the hands of the Father.
That is funny Kim. I think when we have kids they come with a basket of worry for their mother.
Awwww what a beautiful post! 🙂 Stopping by from S&S, Blessings
Thanks Amy. So inspired by those who link up with s & s.
Reverence, Mystery, Awe, Trust, Assurance, – Birth – Gratitude for what was and for what will be – Thankfulness for what is – LOVE
Transparency, Authenticity, Genuineness, Faith – LOVE
What He gives, Shelly, you give from a pure and reflective heart – JESUS
Blessings, Dear Sister in Christ
Thank you sweet Rose. What a gift to hug your neck in person today.
Love those verses. Always makes my heart sing. Such promises. Thanks.
Me too Joanne, me too.
beautiful post
Beautiful post and photograph, Shelly. I so agree it is so much easier when they are in the passenger seat. I pretty much agree that those baby steps happen in all areas at all ages. It makes me happy we are not alone in them!! 🙂
I so agree with you. Just when we think we have conquered a stage, a new one reveals itself to keep us on our toes. And He uses it all to shape us doesn’t he?
Beautiful verses!
Taking refuge in the Lord today….
In Christ,
Laura
Thanks Laura.
Your post picture is beautiful! “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” I want my face to shine with the radiance of Christ!
This image shows me the blurry, translucent, yet colorful angels of the Lord that encamp around the fragile, dangling pod I am. How can I not take refuge in that? A visual reminder of his perfect beauty and provision. There truly is nothing to fear.
Oh, I love what you saw in that picture. You said it better than I could. Thank you.
Fear bringing fulfillment – definitely a wonder to think on and embrace.
I didn’t understand this kind of fear until I became a parent actually. It is definitely something to ponder and changes the way I think about life most days.
I love how you’ve highlighted important phrases within these verses. That really gives it more impact for me!
Thanks Katie. Those words stood out to me the more I meditated on the verses too.
I’m also drawn to seed pods, empty vessels that released tomorrow’s promises. Beautiful.
Oh Lisa, I love the way you put that. Beautiful.