Daily Inspirations by Rev. Dr. Precious prothro

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The Shade That Never Fades

I have a skin condition that flares up with too much heat and sun exposure. So, I rely on things like hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen to protect me. The sun still shines, the heat still rises—but I’m covered. I see the Lord in that same way: my umbrella, my covering, my shade.

I’m in a mode of gratefulness today. God’s provision and protection never cease to amaze me. The way He guards us from dangers—both seen and unseen—is more than just a phrase we recite. It’s real.

Sometimes, the “danger” isn’t obviously harmful. It might simply be something that’s not for us—and that alone can make it dangerous. What a blessing it is to be kept from the things we thought we wanted but didn’t need.

Psalm 121 says He is our helper and our shade. It reminds us that He doesn’t slumber or sleep—because He’s always watching, always keeping, always protecting. So, when life hits us with disappointment, sadness, anxiety, or unmet expectations, we can still look up.

Psalm 121:1 – “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”

Even when things don’t go the way we hoped, God’s plan is still perfect—and His protection never fails.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being our protector, even when we don’t understand what You’re shielding us from. Help us to trust Your no just as much as we trust Your yes. When disappointment creeps in, remind us that Your plans are greater than ours, and that Your timing is perfect. Quiet the pit in our stomachs and fill that space with peace, hope, and renewed strength. We may not see the full picture, but we choose to believe You’re working all things together for our good. Amen.

Already Handled

Friday, when departing for a cruise, I thought I lost my jacket. It wasn’t the jacket that had me upset—it was what I had inside of it, and the frustration of losing something else yet again. I got quiet and tried not to show my anxiety, but inside, I was a storm of emotions. Customer service wasn’t much help, and although my friends tried to distract me, it wasn’t working. I wasn’t in a good place.

Then, I got a call from my brother. He had my jacket the entire time.

I had been stressed, frantic, and anxious—and all along, it was safe. How often is that the case in our lives?

We face trials and instantly assume the worst. We stress over what’s lost, broken, or unresolved, not realizing that God already has it covered. He knows the outcome. Whether it’s what we expected or not, He’s already made provision. He knows what’s best.

Jeremiah 29:11–13 reminds us that God’s plan is full of peace, and He’s already prepared our expected end. So the next time we’re overwhelmed with worry, may we pause, breathe, and remember—it’s already in His hands.

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust You more quickly. Remind me that when I feel lost, frazzled, or unsure, You are not. You know where I am, what I need, and what is best. Thank You for having it already handled. Amen.