“The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.” Psalm 121:5.

Aloe plants are known for their resilience and adaptability. Although I do not have a “green thumb,” I enjoy caring for plants and flowers. On one occasion, a friend gave me a piece of aloe, which I placed in a ziploc bag, intending to pot it soon. Four months later, I discovered the plant had fallen into a storage container in my garage—and, incredibly, was still surviving in that Ziploc bag!

I was amazed—how did this plant survive for months in a hot, 100+ degree Florida garage, with no water, no soil, just in a plastic bag? I promised myself I’d take care of it, but I forgot again!

This morning, more than three months later, I found the plant still alive in its ziploc bag, tucked away in the storage container. Once again, there was new growth sprouting! Hallelujah… the experience sent me a very clear message. This plant had survived and beat insurmountable odds-God created it to weather the storms of life, and He has also created us to do the same! “And everyone that is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, I have formed; yea, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:7.

If our Almighty and Sovereign God cared for and provided sustenance for that small plant in all types of adverse conditions, will He not also provide, protect, and keep us through the trials and tribulations of this life?

“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30.

Sometimes, life leads us through some pretty dark and lonely places. However, survival isn’t dependent on the circumstances or environment; it is dependent on the One who holds us safe and secure in His all-powerful hands! As it is written: “The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” Psalm 121:8.

If you or a loved one is encountering circumstances beyond your control, then let your heart find comfort in these words: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4.

Never give up hope. No matter how things may appear or how dark the night, the Lord is thy keeper!  

“The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. -Psalm 121:5-8.

May God’s blessings of peace, joy, and grace be with us all!