God: Our Shelter and Shield
By Peggy D. Johndrow
Peggy attends St John's Catholic Church in Enterprise, Alabama. She has a daughter and a wonderful son-in-law and “ the most precious grandson.” Peggy’s most satisfying spiritual life has been as a member/leader of a charismatic prayer group and an intercessory prayer ministry. She loves to worship the Lord by working in her flower and vegetable gardens. Peggy says she is “currently waiting for the Lord to tell what and where He wants me to go.” She has taught nursing for over 20 years and loved it, but asserts that she may need a change. Peggy just recently received her nurse practitioner certification.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear, though war may rise up against me, in this I will be confident. Psalm 27:1-3

I have complete security in the love of my heavenly Father and my Lord Jesus Christ and know that the Holy Spirit guides me always. Jesus is the compass of our heart. He is not a distant star or a lifeless map, but a living being inside our heart and spirit. He guides us and protects us in all our paths. Our loving Father sent His Living Word to abide with us always, and He will never leave us alone. Jesus is Life and Love within us. We can be secure in this mighty unconditional love that passes all understanding. He is the rock upon which I base my life.

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock; and the rain descended, the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matt. 7: 24-25

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side”. Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?'” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, '”Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?'” Mark 4: 35-40

As we all struggle through the winds and storms that rock our lives at one time or another, we need to be still within ourselves. Our security is in the knowledge that Jesus calms the winds and storms in our lives, spirits and hearts. As I was struggling through a time of illness and loss, a friend gave me a print of a water garden by Claude Monet. It hangs across from a sitting area where I frequently do my morning prayers and battle in spiritual warfare for my family, others and myself.

Many times I look up and see it and realize anew its message. When I look closely, I see that the major part of the canvas is covered with dark shades of black, blue and green, which are the dark waters of the garden. These are drab colors and are a sharp contrast to the delicate pastels of the water flowers. In the initial glance, my eyes are drawn to the colorful petals. Later I realize that the dark, drab colors actually highlight the lovely floral colors, which appear rich and glowing upon the dark, deep waters.

As I continue to gaze at the painting, I come to understand that Monet used the dark tones to enhance the lighter. The sharp contrasts in color are a part of his master artist's scheme. This painting reminds me of my own life and it’s Artist. I am encouraged that there is a purpose and design to my life, and I know that I sometimes focus too much on the dark areas. I know that my Lord Jesus, who is the Master Artist of my life, uses the darker colors for a purpose. These shadows make my life richer by strengthening me and making the bright colors shine forth.

I look back on lost loves and pain and suffering and I see my Heavenly Father making something beautiful out of those dark times. My Heavenly Father uses all parts of my life to help me achieve the bountiful and abundant life that He planned for me. I also come to see that as the water lilies in Monet's masterpiece float through the muck, wind and rain,, God keeps my hope and joy afloat in the storms of my life.

Just as water gardens survive the rain, wind and storms, I will also survive and shine in beauty by the love, grace and mercy of my Heavenly Father. I must remind myself that I am safe and secure in the loving Hands of my Father God and my Lord Jesus Christ –no matter what happens.

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5: 10

<<Back to Archive

View for Printing

Contributors
Staff
Advertising
Internships

Send this Page to a Friend

Add Me to Mailing List