“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” – Proverbs 30:5

Jedediah Smith was born on June 24, 1798 in at Bainbridge, New York. As a teenager, he joined a fur-trading expedition to the Rocky Mountains. Smith was a devout Christian who always remained a gentleman even in the wildest frontier company. He was cool under pressure, with strength and leadership ability that was grounded in his faith. In 1823 while on an expedition, he was attacked by a grizzly bear. The bear came out of the thicket and mauled Smith violently, smashing his ribs and literally ripping off his scalp. As he waited for his men to come with help, he found comfort in the 23rd Psalm. The men who found him were horrified at his condition. Calmly, Smith instructed one of his companions to sew his scalp back on. After a successful stitching and two weeks of rest, Smith resumed his duty as captain of the party. He went on to become one of the first Americans to cross west over the Continental Divide. He was the first to open the coastal trade route from California to Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River and the first to successfully cross the Mojave Desert. Whether it was Indians, hunger, or thirst, Jedediah Smith faced hardship by turning to the Lord in prayer.

Where do you seek refuge? Today in prayer, look to the Lord and Christ will be your shield.

“God in his word, God in his promise, is a shield, a sure protection, to all those that put their trust in him.” – Matthew Henry

God’s Word: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” – Psalm 18:30

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2002, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN PROVERBS pkennedy@devotional.com