I recently read through the book of Hosea, a book that while showing God's great judgment also shows His amazing mercy and love. Truly one of the "love story" books of the Bible. As I finished up the book I came across a verse that really struck me. I claimed it as my own and the more I thought about it the more ways I saw that it could be applied.
          "They that dwell under his shadow..." Hosea 14:7 
     Doesn't seem like much at first glance does it, and there is more to it(though this is the section that really spoke to me), but lets think about it for a minute. I would like to share with you a few of the differant ways I have seen it.

     First it was a verse of great comfort to me. At this time in my life I am going through numerous difficult situations. Short and sweet, life is hard right now. In this verse I was comforted in that I was reminded that I am dwelling under His shadow! Oh the protection and comfort that that thought evokes! What great comfort to imagine yourself under the shelter of your Heavenly Fathers arms! I was reminded that, even when it seems that all around me are evils and hurts, if I so choose, I can be sheltered by His shadow.

     Secondly it made me think about how I dwell under His shadow. The word "dwell" is an action word that implies that I have to do something to dwell there, to put myself under His shadow. So, what is the difference between when I am under it and when I am not? What do I do to put me under that shadow? We are told in many differant passages throughout the Bible that when we obey the Lord we are under His protection. (Exodus 23:22, Joshua 22:2-4, Jeremiah 7:23, Jeremiah 38:20, Hebrews 5:9 to name a few). So, if I want to be under the protection and comfort of His shadow, I need to be sure that (no matter what sin anyone else around me is doing) I am doing what the Lord wants me to do.

     I don't know how well I have conveyed my thoughts here but I hope that you have gotten at least a little bit of what I've said and that you find this verse as rich as I have found it.

     I challenge you to dwell under His shadow!

With Prayers,
   Sarah