I LOVE summertime! I love the break from the hectic schedules and more quality family time. I love being outside and the beautiful sunshine; however, being a survivor of skin cancer, I have a whole new appreciation for the power of the sun.
As a teenager, I used to arrive when the neighborhood pool opened and leave when it closed. There were always umbrellas I could have sat under at the pool, but I wouldn’t have even considered it. My goal was to soak up all the rays I possibly could. I paid for my decision later in life when I had a large chunk of skin removed from my left calf. I still love the sun, yet now I am always seeking a shady spot to retreat to after a short time in the sun.
It is amazing how you can be outside and just by going into the shade, the temperature seems to drop. You can enjoy being outside in the fresh air, but out of the harmful rays of the sun. Shade offers that extra protection.
Psalm 121:5-6 says “The LORD watches over you- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” For one who has been harmed by the sun, this verse really spoke to me.
The Lord is our umbrella, a protective covering, who shields us from harmful things. The funny thing about umbrellas or coverings is you have to get under them in order to receive the protection they offer. I learned this lesson the hard way. Some people live life out from under the protection of the Word of God and get hurt. When it happens, they immediately want to know where God was and why He allowed them to get hurt. An umbrella does you no good in a downpour if you don’t open it and get under it. It was designed for protection, but it has to be used properly. God’s Word is the same way.
God desires to be your covering. He offers Himself to you every moment of every day. The choice is yours. Will you step under His protective covering and reap the benefits of living under the authority of His Word?

FYI: I am taking advantage of summer and going on vacation next week with my family. You can meet me back here on Monday, June 22nd to hear about the fun and exciting adventures we had and how God spoke to me through them. Have a blessed week and seek God’s cover.