In his short book “The misunderstood man” Walter Trobisch talks about “The sheltered Man.” This is the man who feels safe and secure. “He can be a shelter to others because he himself is sheltered. He is no afraid even if at times he should lose or suffer defeat.” A sheltered man can simply get up again and then just keep on. He has come to peace both with his weaknesses and strengths because he knows that he is accepted by his heavenly Father. He will not flee, especially from his emotional responsibility in his family
Trobisch maintains that a sheltered man “has a roof over his head, He knows where his home is.” That is, he is secure in his relationship and identity as a man. He can say with the Psalmist, “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings” ( Ps 61:3-4). Because he is sheltered this man will not manifest three common characteristics of an insecure man. First, he will not run away, second, he will stand, and three, he will fight.
As I write this post, I am thinking of the chorus to a song by Sanctus Real entitled “Lead me.” The chorus goes like this – “Lead me with strong hands/stand up when I can’t/ don’t leave me hungry for love/chasing dreams, what about us.” It a plea from a wife and children for the man of the house to stand and be strong. Near the end of the song are these words, “I’ll show them I’m willing to fight and give them the best of my life.” In this song we have a plea for the man to be present; not to run away, but rather to stand and fight
Men, it takes a secure man in the Lord, one who is resting in the love of his heavenly Father not flee emotionally, but to stand and fight for what is best for his loved ones. That fight will most likely be with his own “inner complusions.” For most of us men it is easier to run from conflict, rather than stand and fight. How do we fight. Our weapons are love and humility. We love without knowing the outcome and we go forward in humility, knowing that we are totally dependent upon the grace of God. Remember, we love with the love of God. Love, “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserves” (I Cor 13:7)
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