I hunkered down, hoping my shelter would hold.
During a five-year span, my brother, daughter, and I hiked, backpacked,
and tent camped in the mountains. They say mountains make their own weather—and
they do. Regardless of whether or not they were in the forecast, thunderstorms
normally erupted in the afternoons. Some were brief—while others lasted for
hours or even an entire night.
On one hike, the thunderstorm approached at lunchtime. We quickly
erected our tents and huddled inside as the lightning popped and the water
gushed around our tents. Our shelters held—and stayed dry.
On another occasion, we settled in a campground, only to have one
thunderstorm after another march through the campground during the night. We
quivered as the thunder rolled and the lightning popped. Occasionally, I’d take
out my flashlight and shine it around the tent to see if I had any leaks. The
next morning, I looked at the gully where raging water had rushed beneath my
tent, yet the tent held.
Although my tent survived storms, tents are fickle shelters. Strong
winds can easily blow them away if they are not staked down. Even then, they
would not stand against high winds, a tornado, or a hurricane. Nor are they
lightning repellent. One strike and I’d be toast. And a bear? Their sharp claws
could demolish a tent in a matter of minutes.
The psalmist often spent the night under the stars tending sheep … and perhaps
sleeping in a makeshift shelter. But his refuge wasn’t there. He, too, faced
bears and other nocturnal predators. His refuge was in his relationship with
God. Whatever the trouble, God would rescue him.
Our world holds many dangers. Once, we feared some rogue nation—or even
a world superpower—might drop a nuclear bomb on us. Now, school shootings, mall
shootings, drive-by shootings, and terrorist bombs occupy our minds.
Regardless of the danger’s nature, God is our refuge. Even if we are
shot, bombed by a terrorist, or caught up in a nuclear blast, God holds us
fast. Death leads us to heaven. Injuries give God an opportunity to teach us
life lessons and to grow our faith in Him to care for us through the thick and
thin of life’s experiences. Nothing is more powerful than the God we serve.
Our temporary homes may fail, but our God never will. Trust Him, regardless
of what life brings you.
Prayer: Father, we thank You for being our shelter during the storms of
life.
Tweetable: Have you found a safe house?
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