Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Daylight was slowly beginning to break as I sat in my tree stand with my bow during hunting season. It was the time of morning that ‘deer’ gradually become stumps and bushes, and actual deer materialize out of seeming nothingness. Every sense was fully alert as I watched the forest come to life around me. Squirrels chattered, chipmunks chased each other playfully, birds fluttered from tree to tree. The leaves were beginning to show fall colors, and it was a glorious day to be in the woods.

As the morning progressed and no deer appeared, my mind began to wander, as it so often does when I’m hunting. I shifted slightly on the seat of my tree stand and contemplated how far below the ground was. Looking at the harness that I had carefully strapped on over my clothing before climbing the tree, I thought of how much more safe I felt than if I were without it. I visualized the strap that I had secured tightly around the tree above my head, connecting my harness to the tree. How good it is to know that if I were to start to fall, I would be caught!

How much is God like that harness system? No matter how precarious my situation may seem, or even how much I get used to having Him there and go through a period of not being as aware as usual of His presence, He’s always there, holding me securely. It doesn’t mean that I won’t ever trip or stumble, but within His grip, I won’t tumble catastrophically. Whether I am fully aware of God’s presence or not, He is still there, holding me tight.

Though I didn’t come out of the woods with a deer that day, I emerged with a valuable lesson learned. At the times when I am tempted to worry about finances, relationships, or other areas of life, I remind myself of that harness, and the security which I have in God. He is faithful, and He has me in His grasp!

God, thank You for reminding me of Your presence and Your faithfulness. No matter how difficult my circumstances are, I know that You are with me, holding me securely. Your grace will cover me. Help me to be continually more aware of your presence.