Shelter in the Storm

For You have been a Stronghold…and a Shelter from the storm.

When you pass through the waters (of difficulty) I will be with you.

Isaiah 25:4a   Isaiah 43:2a AMP

I wish it wasn’t so. But it is. Storms of life are inevitable. While the depth and breadth and severity may differ from one person to another, we can all count on them showing up at our door. That’s just real life, isn’t it?

Beloved, I promise not to slap a plastic “Praise the Lord” bumper sticker phrase across the pain of your heart, even as I gently prod you to step back, exhale a moment and seek to discover His hand, His very presence with you in your storm.

I have found, and maybe you have too, that while God has seldom prevented storms from whipping up all around me – sometimes with waves crashing so hard that I literally gasped for breath – He has never failed to shelter me in the Storm.

With the umbrella of His Presence.

With the umbrella of His Peace.

With the umbrella of His Comfort.

And with the strong umbrella of His Sovereign control over all that grazes my life. (Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20)

Whatever our storm – Divorce or Death. Addiction or Abuse. Discouragement or Disease. Hopelessness or Hostility. Fear or Failure. Uncertainty or What if’s… Our God is mighty and able to shelter us while these storms pass by. (Psalm 57:1) There will come a day when the rain stops…Every trial has a beginning and an ending.

Oh, dear one, will you take His hand as He not only shelters from the storm, but walks you through it?

Sheltering in Him may look like, opening our Bible to Psalm 46, (cup of coffee nearby, of course) and reading His word out loud.

There will come a day when the rain stops.

Becky White

It is talking to Him, wrestling through our fears and pain and what if’s. It is prayer that eludes words…simply “being” with Him… It is listening to worship music, and being intentional about what we allow our minds to dwell on. It is calling/texting a friend who loves Jesus and being authentic about what we’re walking through.

There will come a day when the rain stops…Until then, (and even then) rest in the shelter of the Most High.

Lean hard on Me my child, and I will be your peace.

Francis J. Roberts

Father, sometimes the wind and waves of this storm cause me to feel overwhelmed, angry or fearful. Forgive me. I release myself and my difficulties into Your hands. Please envelop me in Your peace and renewed hope. Grant me Your perspective in this storm. I choose to trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Becky White for the Lord Jesus