by Victoria Heinecke

God’s loving arms surround us at all times.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Psalm 32:7 New International Version

Chino loves his covered bed. Made of felted wool, it buffers sounds and keeps him warm. In the past, he’d seek out cabinets and laundry baskets to cuddle in, or he’d curl up under an end table. Since receiving this bed, it’s now his favorite place for comfort. If you want to find Chino in his home, look inside his little bed.

Cats seem to have an instinctive attraction to closed spaces such as grocery bags, boxes and totes. Cats are ambush predators and finding confined places where they can hide, hunt prey and feel safe and warm fills their needs.

We are not ambush predators. If anything, this year has been filled with one ambush after another, led by a hidden virus that gives no sign of its presence.

Under this fear, it has been a challenge for many people to find comfort and security. Each day brings the risk of exposure, and we have no idea where that danger lies. Even without a pandemic, our lives may take a sudden turn no matter how well we prepare.

Some days, it feels as if staying under the covers of our bed is the only place we want to be. However, that is not what God wants for us, nor how he directs us to live our lives.

“God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear…“
Psalm 46:1-2a New International Version

There is comfort and security when we abide in God’s presence. He is always with us as we live our purposed lives each day.

Some work, go to school, or venture out for hikes and outings. Some stay a little closer to home. Still, some are experiencing struggles of the body and mind. Wherever we are called today, God can use us to show love and kindness to our neighbors and be his hands and heart.

Do not be afraid. Quiet your troubled heart and be assured that the Lord is always with you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado