The Scarlet Umbrella
I heard a song on the radio the other day.
The disc jockey related the lyrics to all that is going on in the world today.
The song's first verse says: "When this life has overwhelmed me, and I feel like giving up, I will cling to all you've promised, it will always be enough. And when the world around me crumbles, and it's hard to understand. I run to you, my shelter; I am safe within your hands." As we sang that song, my heart was reminded of the verse in Proverbs 31:21
"She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet." Many years ago, the Lord helped me understand that verse more fully. In my study Bible, there were cross-references to Hebrews 9:19-20 and Joshua 2:18-19. For years I had only read Proverbs 31:21 at face value. I understood it as meaning that my family would have nice clothing to wear. It is true God will provide us with the need for clothing. However, clothing is only a portion of the meaning of that verse. "Clothed in scarlet" refers to the covenant that Jesus paid for with His blood.
"For this is My blood of the new covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
Matthew 26:28
The Holy Spirit revealed to me that my children had a spiritual covering. They were, in fact, under the protection of the scarlet umbrella of the promises of God! As parents, we provide all that we can for our children. We keep them safe and provide for their basic needs. We train them in the Word of God and teach them life lessons along the way.
For the most part, our job is easy while they are young and living in our house. We can investigate and somewhat control who they will be with and where. But the day comes when they graduate. They become adults and make their own choices. They are out of our sight, out of our "jurisdiction."
I remember the day very well when the last of our sons moved out. Oh, how the thoughts came rolling in like a tidal wave. Did I teach them enough about relationships, how to live, work, and pray?
Did I tell them," I love you" enough? Do they know I will always be here no matter what? Will their faith stand in these troubled and turbulent days?
Praise God for His Word. The Holy Spirit brought Proverbs 31:21 back to my mind that day. Instinctively, I knew that very moment, wherever my children were, the God of the Angel Armies was there alongside them.
All of God's covenant promises are true.
He said He would keep them safe (Psalm 91.)
All their needs will be provided for (Philippians 4:19.)
There is a good plan for their lives (Jeremiah 29:11.) They will have everything they need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3.).
God's Word reminds us to come boldly to His throne and remind Him of those promises (Hebrews 4:16.)
The summer season is over.
It is the beginning of a new chapter of life for some of you. But, I have good news, my friends. Our God knows how this chapter will end even before it begins (Psalm 139:16.) The key to unlocking His plan for you and your children is to trust Him. So, let go of the apron strings and allow your children to stand and walk with God for themselves.
You can no longer fix everything for them…but God can!
"Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Mathew 7:11
There is no such thing as a perfect earthly parent. But, our Heavenly Father is perfect in every way.
He loves your children even more than you do.
Your children are in His hands. And they are good hands indeed.
"The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice;
and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.]
And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand.
My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand."
John 10:27-29 AMPC