Wednesday, February 05, 2014

You Have Shelter in the Storm


Last night I listened to the ice falling from limbs and the occasional limb falling too. I am so thankful to be in a nice warm house. I’m also glad that the weather man warned the area of impending weather. We had extra wood ready in case our lights stayed out for a lengthy time. We even have foods that are easy to prepare or heat in the fireplace so a meal can be enjoyed no matter what. Occasionally a huge limb would hit the house and it sounded as though it would come through the roof. The morning light will show whether any of the limbs are actually damaging anything. Generally the sounds of the night are found to be less horrific by the light of day.

Life has its storms. There are times when we see the problem coming and we can prepare for the worst. Other times we are caught by surprise. We didn’t see the situation unfolding until everything begins crashing in around us.  If we’re not careful we’ll find ourselves in the cold and unable to protect ourselves. Darkness will surround us and we’ll be so fearful for our life.  The icy reality of bad reports, terrible news or troubled times find us scurrying to find warmth anywhere we can.

But we don’t have to be afraid. We are not just another character in an ice storm. We are chosen and redeemed to live a life that gives honor and glory to God. We don’t ever have to go hungry, stay cold or live in the dark.  Especially when things are crashing down around us. We may not have been prepared for the situation, we may have had no warning, but God was already preparing for us a place of refuge with warmth and light and sustenance to make it through. We may think great damage is being done, but because of God’s great love for us the Light of the Son will show us when the storm has passed that we are not damaged beyond repair and that we are still able to live as chosen children of the Most High God.

Storms will come, but God will be with us. Darkness will threaten us but the Son of Righteousness is our everlasting light. We may hunger for His presence, but we never go hungry, for He is always with us, to guide us, direct us and keep us safe all through the night.

Oh beloved, don’t despair. Don’t sit and listen to the sounds of the darkness. Light the candle of God’s Truth and shine it throughout your heart.  He is protecting you, you are walking in His safety and He will overcome these present events. Your power will not go out because it is God’s power within you. You will never hunger or thirst, no matter how rough the weather of your life gets. As long as you look to Jesus, as long as you remember God’s Word, as long as you rehearse the blessings of being a child of God, you will overcome this present darkness and live to share the glory of God with others who are going through the storms of life. You are walking in His favor as you live in His light. You are experiencing His peace as you walk through the storm.

You are loved and you are cared for and that’s all that matters as you live in the Light of His glory and grace.

Psalm 140:13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name; The upright will dwell in Your presence.

Psalm 112:4 Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous.

Psalm 57:1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to You for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of Your wings until the danger passes by. NLT

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.


Philippians 4: 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].  AMP

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