“You have been . . a shelter from the storm.” Isaiah 25:4 NIV.
You should prepare for storms you can neither predict nor prevent.
My thoughts and comments today are about “shelter in a storm.”
Weather forecasting has become quite a science. Satellites, meteorology science, computer imaging, and an accumulated history of weather patterns allow fairly accurate predictive warnings of dangerous storms, though the best meteorologists still cannot prevent the storms they predict.
Though of another nature, there is a different kind of storms that intrude into lives that you can neither predict nor prevent; these storms occur in the realm of emotional, mental, financial, physical, relational, or spiritual upheaval. You cannot predict when such storms will impose themselves into your life, but you can certainly predict that they will. How foolish to live as though your life will be immune from such disturbing times.
You should prepare for storms you or others can neither predict nor prevent. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV. People more often quote that than reference His important preface to those words, “In Me, you may have peace.” Before the storm comes, know where you will find safe refuge. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’ . . For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle.” Psalm 91:1-4/ 27:5 NIV.
Better late than never, but the midst of the storm is the worst time to begin your search for shelter. Isaiah wrote, “O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness, You have done marvelous things . . You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” Isaiah 25:1/4 NIV. Distress, storm, or heat – whatever the description of your circumstance, God Himself is your sufficiency – refuge, shelter, and shade. God does more than just provide you shelter; He becomes your shelter. God and His Word are a safe refuge when storms rage whatever their origin. Proverbs 18:10 NKJV/Matthew 7:24-27 NLT.
Matthew, a disciple of Jesus, recalls a frightening storm, alarming enough to make fisherman fear for their lives. “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.” Read Matthew 8:23-27 NIV. With just a word from Jesus, the wind and seas calmed, leaving the fearful disciples amazed and asking, “Who is this that even the wind and waves obey Him?” Yes, the wind and waves that may threaten and frighten you must obey His command. Solomon observed, ”When the storm has swept by . . the righteous stand firm forever.” Proverbs 10:25 NIV.
My prayer for you today is that you will be safe and sheltered in Jesus when storms come.