God is Our Stronghold

Psalm 37:39
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

Two Saturdays ago, I get the call every adult child of an aging parent dreads.

"Martha!  I've fallen!  I think my leg is broken!"

"Mom!  Why are you calling me?  You need to call 911 right away!"  I say frantically as I thank the Lord she has her cell phone on her person when this happens.

"But all the doors to the house are locked," she laments.  "How will they get in?"

"It doesn't matter, Mom.  If they have to break down a door, they will!  Do any of your neighbors have a key to the house?"

"No, none."

"Then call an ambulance, and let the emergency crews handle it!"

My husband, Danny, hurriedly researches names of friends close to Mom, hoping to dig up a phone number.  He is successful, and after a hasty plea from me to Valerie, she and her husband head for the house and arrive about the time the EMTs are getting Mom into the ambulance.  They make sure she has her purse and some personal items.  And the house?

As it turns out, my mother did something unprecedented.  She locked the door from the inside, but left the keys in the lock on the outside!  No break-in required!

Valerie locks up and returns the keys to my Mom.

And I am overwhelmingly grateful for God's foresight.

He was, indeed, my mother's stronghold in her time of trouble.

~

How is God being your stronghold today?

Prayer:  Father, we thank You for being our mighty fortress, our stronghold in times of trouble.  We ask prayers of health and healing for the elderly in our families, churches, and communities.  Bless them and keep them, Lord.  Surround them with Your loving kindness.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Postscript:  Mom had surgery for a fractured femur.  She is currently at a rehab facility where they are working diligently to get her strong and back on her feet.  She should be able to come home two weeks from yesterday.  Please keep Nancy in your prayers!