Monday, April 23
I love all the new oldie stations we have now. They play
tons of old TV shows. I mentioned before that I love old westerns and one of
the old TV series I used to watch was Wagon Train.
In search of a better life, pioneers joined a wagon train
but found they had to endure tremendous hardships on this new path.
Leaving
behind their pasts and most of what they owned, they trudged through snow,
freezing temperatures, summer’s sweltering heat, drought, swollen rivers, mud, fire,
mountains, broken wagon wheels, lack of food and water, and their biggest
threat...going through enemy territory. The Indians did not want them there.
At night, they circled the wagons for safety against any
wild animals and posted guards to watch for any intruders. But during the
daytime, they were more vulnerable. The Indians or other raiders could easily attack
at any time.
A scout was always sent out to spy out the land in search of
the nearest watering hole and any enemies on the prowl, whether human or animal.
When the scout reported that attackers were spotted closing in, the wagon
master would yell for the people to circle their wagons. The tighter they
closed in the circle, the safer they were from outside influences, closing up
any weak points.
Surrounded by a barricade, the people fought back. Peace was
elusive until the onslaught was over. However, many drew their inner strength
from God and prayer to get them through the ordeal.
Circled in and the raid over, they breathed a sigh of relief,
resting from the threat of danger. Feeling safe, they gathered around the
campfire and sang.
As pioneers in the Christian journey, we leave behind the
past and old ways, but though we travel the new path of a better life, we still
encounter hardships.
Trekking through the enemy’s territory, we face his attempts
to surround us and shoot his arrows of adverse circumstances at us. During the
day, we are the most vulnerable, so we cannot afford to have any weak spots
exposed.
Therefore, standing ready to fight, we draw in the circle of
protection for safety and post the Holy Spirit as a sentry to warn us of any
sneaky attacks of the enemy.
The tighter we close in, the safer we will be from outside
influences. Our strength and peace come from inside that tightly drawn circle.
Even while experiencing a battle, we celebrate in the warmth of the Lord’s fire
and sing our songs of deliverance.
“You are my covering, my secret place; You guard and watch
over me from the distress of the enemy; You encircle me with songs of escape
and deliverance.” (Ps. 32:7 Lynn’s
Version)
How close have you circled in your heart? How safe are you
from outside influences?
"You are my covering, my secret place." These words took on such a special meaning in the context of your post. We do have to stand guard and remain alert.
Great post, loved it.
Love this post Lynn! I remember watching Wagon Train and many other westerns. Circling the wagons was always one of the most exciting moments during the show!
As believers, having the benefit of Christ's wisdom and a "circle" of godly friends gives us a hedge of protection from the enemy's threats.
As the Lord surrounds us with His Presence - we are safe and secure from all alarm (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms).
Shanda, thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your kind words, sweetie! Bless you!
Thanks so much for visiting, Denise. I'm honored. Thank you so much for your comment. Blessings to you!
So true, Deborah! Thanks for another great comment. You are a dear! Bless you!
What an interesting historical bent tied in with the truth of God being our covering...Nice to meet you, Lynn, as we are in the same SDG small group. Blessings.
Thank you so much, Dolly! I'm so honored to have you visit. Makes my heart happy! Bless you!
Good image of protection and the underlying message we've got to act. Thanks Lynn Peace and blessings
I love the inspiration you share from such a variety of things, Lynn! You find lessons about God in everything and have such a wonderful way of expressing them.
Thanks so much, Terrie! I appreciate your visit and kind words. Bless you!
LOL I can get inspiration from some of the strangest things! Thanks so much, Connie! Love hearing from you. Blessings!