Dwelling in the Lord

Ps 91:1-2,14-16 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in Whom I trust."  
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"Because he loves Me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation." 

During my study time in God's word, I have noticed throughout the Scriptures, God never tells us that we will have no problems or challenges or sorrow. When God answered Solomon's prayer to dedicate the temple, God said 'when' not 'if'. In James we are told to count it all joy 'whenever' you face trials. 

We who are the redeemed of the Lord will be stretched and tested and challenged in order to gain maturity in Christ. But we also have the promise that when we trust in Him and make our dwelling place under His wings of protection, we will be safe. We will face times of great pain and fear. We will walk through the valleys but we will never walk the path alone. The Lord has promised to walk it with us.  

I found a quote yesterday that clarified the difference between worry and concern. It says that 'worry causes us to fret, concern causes us to pray'. So many times, I find myself lying in bed unable to sleep due to anxiety over a situation I cannot change or solve. Usually when I take it to the Lord and leave it in His hands, I wake in the morning refreshed and rested. I know He is in control and His solution is far better than mine could be. Since I am a problem solver, giving it to the Lord is not an easy thing for me to do. I want to make things better, but I know Who can make things right, not just better. 
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Ps 116:1-2,7 I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. Be at rest, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.  
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