Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

[Journal Entry]

From my earliest memories as a child, I remember being made fun of. I was always… different; the red hair may have played a part in that. Trust me, I stare into the mirror, daily, and wish I had the thick, red hair moving around like ocean waves now. I was short – still am [ha] – with an Italian nose, but definitely had confidence. I loved music and was proud to be the drum major for our high school band. I stood on top of that podium every football Friday night leading the charge while the percussion, brass, and lights spun the laughter from my peers sitting in the stands away from me. I also excelled in long distance running and was a gymnastics all around state champion two years in a row…but still…different. Boys don’t have red hair, should be playing football instead of band, and definitely shouldn’t be good at gymnastics. Different.

I learned from a very early age how to build my confidence because I fought for everything. My parents taught me well. My parents are a child’s dream when you think about it: they are wise, educated, and fear the Lord most importantly. My core character came from this upbringing. Going to church wasn’t an option; it was life. One core family memory includes watching my father get his large Bible, highlighter, fifty (not exaggerating) Bible concordance books, notepads, and pens from the closet and lay them all out on top of the dining room table every Saturday night. He read, studied, wrote, and prayed for hours. How do I know?…children watch and imitate!!

I’ve always said, “If I could be just 10% of my daddy, I’d do really well in this world!” I’ve watched my daddy study God’s word my entire life and raise his children with a shepherd’s eye and voice. My mother not only imitated every Christlike behavior but she also sang like an angel. God knew what He was doing when He created my two older sisters and myself with parents who loved the Lord and taught us well. We are all…different.

I wasted so many years not recognizing the covering. Why does it work that way? Children grow up wishing to leave while adults beg to come back home. Today, I received a letter in the mail with two feathers: one for my wife and one for me. The verse reference was Psalm 91. My devotion that I’ve been reading for several days has been this very passage as well. I’ve been covered since I was born: first by my parents then my Savior when I chose HIM! So…I’m different.

I chose to spend the rest of my life helping set the captives free as my Savior has instructed me. This starts with accepting Him. Tell me your Jesus story! I would love to hear it. Then, let’s shake off the baggage from year’s past and walk in freedom. My father has a business degree. My mother has multiple educational degrees and a school counseling degree. There is zero accident in God’s Kingdom that I received each of their giftings. God created me to be – different – business minded yet soft enough to hear the brokenness in your heart and help you release the hurt inside through the power of Jesus in me!

My parents did their job, and they did it well. I’m a confident, Christ-follower who is still trying to reach that 10% of his own father’s character. I honestly don’t think I’ll ever get there! But…I’ll keep trying, and I’m still watching. Yet, when I walk in my calling, God is the center and He is 100% in me. I may be different, but I’m never alone. I choose to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. It is a choice. He is my refuge and my fortress. As I sit and contemplate, I can see God’s feather tree leaning over me all of my life.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

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