by Carey Helmink
I love to read. Probably my favorite genre is historical fiction—although I really do love The Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter series which I’m pretty sure are NOT historical fiction (although those worlds seem pretty real to me)—but, regardless, I am a fan of historical fiction. I’m terrible with names and dates and geography, but I can retain some details of history if they are wrapped up in stories.
I am a particular fan of kings and queens and kingdoms and battles from days of old. You notice I say “days of old” because I couldn’t begin to give you a framework of what years I’m talking about—I’m a big picture thinker –no details in my brain to speak of.
I also love the Old Testament narratives about the kings and the way they ruled their kingdoms. It has struck me many times how people who lived (and many who still live) in that type of setting are completely and totally at the mercy of the king who rules them. If you live under a tyrannical, evil king—there is nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. You are at the mercy of whatever he says and chooses to do.
Think about the slaughtered toddlers at the hands of Herod because he was so afraid that one of them (Jesus) might take over his kingdom at some point. On the other hand, if the king is good and kind and trustworthy and strong and just, you just might have a chance at a good life.
I understand that the world we live in is “ruled” to some degree by the Prince of Darkness. The evidence is all around us. However, isn’t it interesting that he is referred to as a prince in scripture—never a king? He may be wreaking havoc on our world at this moment, but his time will not last forever.
There is coming a King who will ultimately have the final say. Not only is he coming, but he is here even now. He is a good and kind and trustworthy and strong and just king. He is a refuge and a shelter, a rock and a savior. He is a safe place in the midst of a world that is filled with evil and pain. And He invites you into His safe and loving arms no matter what you’re facing.
Maybe life is going great for you right now. Rejoice! Run into the King’s arms and spend some time thanking him. He invites you to do that.
Maybe life is a bit of a struggle. Come before Him and pour your heart out to him. His invitation is there.
Maybe you don’t even have the energy to crawl into His presence. My prayer for you is that He will just scoop you up into his arms and you will sense His presence and comfort.
The King of Kings invites you in.
Excerpts from Psalm 18
I love you, Lord;
You are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
My God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
And my place of safety. (v. 1-2)
You rescue the humble,
But you humiliate the proud.
You light a lamp for me.
The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. (v. 27-28)
God’s way is perfect.
All the Lord’s promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
For who is God except the Lord?
Who but our God is a solid rock? (v. 30-31)
The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!
May the God of my salvation be exalted! (v. 46)
Equip Her 