Surrounded by Love

I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch your progress. Don't be like a senseless horse or mule that has to have a bit in its mouth to keep it in line!

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but abiding love surrounds those who trust in the Lord! So rejoice in him, all those who are his, and shout for joy, all those who try to obey him. Psalms 32: 8-11 (TLB)

Every morning, Alyson Rockhold, from Texas, pulls on her fluffy, blue robe, to keep warm as she makes coffee and settles in for her morning prayers and Bible reading. After finishing her morning routine, Alyson used to hang up her robe with a sigh, already looking forward to wearing it the next day.

Then one morning , Alyson read Psalm 32:10. The word surround jumped out at her. She closed her eyes and imagined God's love surrounding her. She pictures a soft, warm light covering her from head to toe. She experienced a deep sense of peace and contentment. And when she hung up her robe that morning, she didn't feel the familiar sadness at leaving her source of comfort behind. She had God's unfailing love surrounding her - a comforting presence that would never leave her.

Now every morning as she puts on her robe, its temporary comfort reminds her of God's eternal love. And when she puts her robe away, she remembers that she'll carry God's love with her all day. When she feels anxious or sad, Alyson visualizes God's love covering her, and she relaxes into God's comforting holy presence. What a blessing to know that God's love surrounds us always!

Prayer: Comforting God, thank you for your eternal unchanging love that is with us always. Remind us to turn to you for the comfort and peace we crave, in Jesus' name. Amen.