In the tempestuous, stormy moments of our lives, we often focus so intently on finding a way of escape or rescue that we altogether forget about the most reliable and true source of shelter and refuge.
I was reminded of the many promises in scripture for such times:
“God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves.”1
“I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”2
“The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.”3
None of these promises speak of “rescue” from trouble, although God can and does rescue us according to His will. More important, He is our “refuge” as we go through trials and difficulties. Just as running into a building during a storm does not cause the storm to cease; rather, it provides shelter until the storm runs its course.
With this perspective on storms, we can fully trust and rest in Jesus to be our refuge and shelter for as long as the storm lasts, leaving the final outcome in His hands.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I feel like the storms of life are overwhelming me, yet You promise I can find refuge in You. Help me to grow in faith, secure in the knowledge that there is never a moment when I am not enveloped by Your love.