Protected
We have come to the end of this path of Protected on our journey together.
Once more, our trailway opens to the familiar large circle area, where the warm, roaring fire greets us again.
As we reconnect and sit together to warm ourselves by the fire, there is peace and calm in the air, mingled with a sense of awe at how far God has brought us since we began this journey together.
We seem so different than we were when we first met.
We are stronger and wiser, for sure, but a sense of assuredness now flows among us.
There is such a calm certainty knowing that, no matter what, God is protecting us.
As we look around at each other, it's like we are all sealed in this protective coating, no longer freaking out about what, why, how, if, or when.
We're just chilling and relaxing, enjoying the sights and sounds of the blaze before us, safe and united in our time of rest and reflection.
We never want to lose this feeling.
We take out our paper and begin to write how we used to feel unprotected.
Hurt and betrayed by those we trusted.
Rejected by those we longed for.
Disappointed by deception.
Unwilling to let go of control and worry.
Unable to trust and surrender and allow God to lead us.
We write about the pain caused, and the resistance felt.
We then crumple up that paper and throw it in the fire, the lies disappearing into the embers.
We pull out another piece of paper and write down what life will be like now, knowing that God's protection is and always will surround us.
The loudest voice we will hear is that of the Holy Spirit - beckoning us forward and giving us wisdom and discernment.
We offer forgiveness for those who should have cared and protected us and replace anger and hurt with understanding and empathy.
We are confident that God is with us no matter what we face, and we will never be alone.
We listen to the warnings and promptings of God and rely on Him to lead us.
We are patient and hopeful, trusting that solutions will come and peace is within us.
We protect ourselves and others and pull each other up and out to ensure no one dwells in their mucky pit.
We look at our lists and can't believe this is how we can live.
Hope, trust, excitement.
Wow. It feels strange but fantastic at the same time.
We are getting antsy now, ready to continue on our way.
Another path opens, and we look at each other with eager anticipation.
Where are we going next, God?
Here we go!
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Psalm 23: 1-3
God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word,
you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
Proverbs 3: 5-7
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways, know, acknowledge, and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles blocking your way]. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.