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"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings."
Psalm 61:1-4


Sometimes when Christians talk about the 'Good News', unbelievers get confused. I want to share my version.

When I was 'saved', I was rescued. As a little girl I played with my brother and his friends (ironically enough, Heidi's sons) and I remember one particular day when the boys were knights in a battle and I was the princess. I climbed to the top of my brother's bunk bed and cried out for the brave knights to come rescue me. Of course, at the time, they were more interested in slaying the dragon and killing the bad guys. But, Jesus came for me. He didn't just fix me up and leave me to the world. He picked me up and carried me to safety and then tenderly and lovingly dressed my wounds. He continually tells me how beautiful I am and how much He loves to spend time with me. Like a mother bird protecting her young, He gives me shelter under his wings.

And I wasn't just saved from myself. I was also saved from a life without peace. I struggle a lot with being 'joyful in all circumstances'. My mom tells me that I'm an idealist, that I long for the Place for which I was meant. So, when things go wrong, I'm surprised and get upset. But Jesus, once again, picks me up and holds me when I'm sad. Then He gives me a 'peace that surpasses all understanding'. That peace doesn't always come right away. In fact, it hardly ever does. However, when it does come, it truly surpasses all understanding. Last week there was a day when I felt so emotionally torn and worn out that I couldn't concentrate on anything. I finally fell down and read my Bible, searching for answers. Then, I duked it out with God, asking Him my 'why's and giving Him my opinion. I finally came to the conclusion that He is right, He has the perfect timing and I am so silly to assume that my plan might work out better than His. Then I lay, 'soaking', as my friend calls it. God's presence and awe overwhelmed me and I could no longer worry. Well, I suppose I could have if I tried, but I no longer felt the need to. I fell asleep and experienced the most restful sleep I had had in a few weeks.

I'm memorizing the words in the Psalm above. They seem to formulate my feelings. I really just want to cry out to God. This Psalm not only tells me that it's okay to call to Him, but it also reminds me that He has helped me before and will be faithful to do so again. Now that's good news.