“The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” Psalm 34:7

I awoke this morning to no big surprise… which is ALWAYS a joy! Nothing happened over night that rocked my world or caused me great pain or sorrow. Much needed rain was falling, and as I settled into my daily routine of spending time with the Lord, I had all my resources at my fingertips. Bible, devotionals, pens, markers… and coffee!

I have had this same coffee pot for at least 7 years now. Knowing how ‘time flies,’ it has probably been longer. In a society where things are not made to last, this Black & Decker beauty just keeps on going. The warmer is crusted with something that doesn’t wash off anymore, but it keeps on warming. The timer keeps time perfectly, supplying coffee at just the right time in the morning… as long as “I” don’t mess up the programming. Let’s just say that when it comes to my coffee pot…it does what it does.

Many of my life’s joys and pleasures are often taken for granted. This morning, with the clouds out and the rain falling, I was able to appreciate the comfort of a dry place to set and a hot cup of coffee to sip, even more than usual. I was grateful that what was going on OUTSIDE was NOT going on INSIDE! God prompted me that HE is the reason for my joy.

As time ticks by and age becomes a factor, I find it a JOY to be able to see things more clearly. Fads and stuff have come and gone. Fixes and repairs have come around to where they are due again. But the things that I have grown to MOST love about life are not ‘things’ at all! The most important and precious to me has become the love, care and faithfulness of God… toward me. Looking back… He has NEVER let me down. EVER!

The verse today prompts a picture I saw years ago of a camp of soldiers during the Civil War. Tents spread out to form a little city. Not surprisingly, the Headquarters of the General was in the middle of the camp. If a threat WERE to come from an enemy, it would have to prevail over a HUGE powerful army to get to its leader. In the verse today, God’s way proves that HIS ways are not OURS. For the one encamped in the middle of the fray… is ME! And He has made ME a promise!

It is the world’s way that the weak, poor and servants of the world exist to provide for the King. God’s way is more shocking than it is anything else. HE, The King, provides, protects and positions Himself around HIS subjects, with the guarantee of promised deliverance. All we need to do is stay within the heart of His camp!

In the Old Testament, the angel of the Lord is not some unknown creature. He is the one and only SPECTACULAR Son of God… Jesus Christ. Because of His death on the Cross for ME, He delivers on His promise that I WILL be delivered. It is wonderful to be able to look back and see that He always has. Like my coffee pot, and even BETTER and BIGGER, Jesus does what He does. THAT is why I love sitting with…and spending time with Him. Do you?