Exodus 33:22 – As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. (NLT)

She had been abused and needed a safe place.

Johnnie was in a situation of her own making. For thirteen years, she had endured an abusive marriage — one she had entered merely to be on her own and make her own life. Jim had seemed like a good guy when she had dated him, but his true identity revealed itself shortly after she said "I do." Abusive words, demeaning remarks, bruises — they all became the norm. Johnnie tried to fend them off, but she had to admit that they were taking their toll on her self-esteem.

Eventually, Johnnie decided that she'd had enough. When the opportunity came for her to move out, she took it, but she needed a safe place to go to. She didn't turn to a home for abused women but rather to her parents — at least until she could make other arrangements. Her parents' home provided a safe place, and in time, she found a husband who treated her as she deserved.

Moses needed a safe place, too. While he was on the mountain receiving the ten commandments from God, the people below were partying as if they had no God to whom they were accountable. When God told Moses to leave the mountain and take the people with him — but that He wouldn't be tagging along — it was more than Moses could stand. God decided to give them another chance, but Moses needed reassurance. So, God placed him in a crevice and let him glance at His presence as He passed by.

Life is tough and filled with many experiences that I'd rather not repeat. Wallowing in self-pity or in the memory of an event only keeps me smelling the toxic nature of what I have experienced. A better course is asking God to put me in His safe place.

When God hides me in His safe place, He reassures me of His presence. If separation has taken place, it's because I left Him — not because He left me. He promises never to abandon His children. In God's safe place, I'm also reminded of who He is and who I'm not. He is the all-powerful Creator who is qualified to lead me through any and every circumstance, protecting me in the process.

Moses had nothing to fear; nor do I — and neither do you. When life gets tough, ask God to put you in His safe place where you can find grace, reassurance, and peace.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the safe place that You provide when life is more than we can handle. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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