When we have severe weather alerts, we often hear the words “seek shelter now” as a tornado is closing in on certain areas. The widespread damage and loss of lives resulting from such a storm quickly brings fear into our hearts, and we are urged to take cover immediately. Whether it is in a hallway, bathtub, storm cellar, closet or basement, we run for safety, praying we will survive but having no guarantee that we will.
When the storms of life attack us, whether physical, emotional or spiritual, we need a place of safety. We are not immune to problems, and we were never promised a perfect or easy life after we were saved. We can claim the promise, however, that “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7 NIV1984).
The psalmist David suffered many trials during his lifetime. We sense his anguish when he said, “…Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert… I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm” (Psalm 55:6-8). We have all felt that way at one time or another — wishing we could get away from the adversity that threatens us, longing for a place of refuge.
David later proclaimed, “I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings” (Psalm 61:4). The word refuge refers to a place of safety and protection — free from danger or anxiety. The “shelter of your wings” gives us a mental picture of a hen who keeps her chicks under her wings to keep them from harm. They have no fear because they know they are safe. Under the wings of God, we know we are safe — confident that He is caring for us and that we are secure in His presence.
When life throws unbearable circumstances your way, can you confidently say to God “…I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed” (Psalm 57:1). It would be untruthful to say that we don’t experience anxiety and fear when problems arise. That anxiety and fear evaporates once we take shelter in the arms of God where “…(He) sends his love and his faithfulness” (Psalm 57:3). There is no other shelter where we can find such refuge. We cannot depend on family or friends (as helpful as they might be), our wealth, social status or anything else. God “…alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2).
Is there a storm brewing in your life at this moment? Is it threatening to overwhelm you and cause you to lose hope? Seek shelter now and cry out to God, “…as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2).
A well-known song, “Sheltered in the Arms of God,” by Dottie Rambo expresses this well: “I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender, they’re leading me in paths that I must trod. I’ll have no fear ‘cause Jesus walks beside me, for I’m sheltered in the arms of God. So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise they won’t worry me, for I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God. He walks with me, and naught of earth shall harm me. For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.”
Take comfort! “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
