Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of God, our storm shelter. That description may seem a bit irreverent at first, but it is exactly the way God describes Himself, and it is a wonderful truth.
Having a shelter during a storm is very important. It can mean the difference between life and death, between preservation and destruction. Certain types of storms particularly highlight the need: tornados, hurricanes, sandstorms, blizzards, forest fires. These are the kinds of storms in which people die without a shelter to protect them. How about a fierce storm at sea? A large ship might be able to withstand the storm, but a small vessel has little chance. Think how helpless a small vessel would be if it is too far out at sea to make it safely to a port. There is nowhere to hide out there.
Life brings a great variety of storms. Some of them won’t do more damage than getting us wet and messing up our hair, but others are far more dangerous and overwhelming. Thank God that we always have a storm shelter in which we can hide.
“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Psalm 57:1).
That word “calamities” could include a lot of storms. It carries the idea of something rushing upon us, or falling upon us, or ruining us. Are you in that kind of storm? Some of you are. Some of you have been for a while, and some of you have recently been surprised by a rushing storm.
Here are two words of encouragement. First, “overpast.” This speaks of a transition, of crossing over. This will happen with every storm. There is coming a time when the clouds will break up and the sun will shine through. The winds will die down, and there will be a great calm. It might not happen until heaven, but most of the time, it will happen here on earth. Storms are for a season, and then God breaks their power.
Second, “refuge.” This is a place that we can flee to for protection. It is not a tumble-down shack, but rather a strong place that is worthy of our trust. It is also intimate and has a warm, safe feeling – under His wings. The great thing about this shelter is that we are never far from it. We might think we are out in the middle of the ocean, remote from any place of refuge, but that is never true with God.
I have read about firefighters in the middle of a vast forest fire. The winds can suddenly shift, surrounding them with flames and cutting them off from any escape route. As a last line of defense, they have a blanket-type shelter that they can put over themselves and tuck in around them. Even as the fire sweeps right over top of them, they might be able to survive.
In a way, that’s how I like to think of God’s protection – (except that His is more sure). Our situation might be that remote and hopeless. We might be that alone. The shelter might seem like the bare minimum. But it is available anywhere, anytime. That little bubble might be the only safe place for miles around, but it is a bubble of safe space. It is a trustworthy refuge when it would seem like there is none possible.
Take heart. Your storm will end. In the meanwhile, you have a trustworthy shelter, both strong and gentle. He is always available, even when you feel remote and removed from hope. May you have great peace as you wait within God’s bubble of protection.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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