SHELTER IN THE STORM

The Lord's our Rock; in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Ira D. Sankey

Gone are days when we sang hymns in church that almost always painted a picture in our minds of God, His Son and His Spirit. Then, the music of the church said something to our hearts and spirits and not to our physical urges. The above words to an old hymn paints a picture of the Lord in our minds we cannot dismiss.

I can recall days when storm shelters were very familiar things, found usually in the back yard of houses. My Dad's parents had one that I don't think they ever used except to be a place to put jars of canned goods my Grandma had put up with veggies from her garden and cherries from her cherry tree. However, whether or not used for it's intended purpose, it was there should a weather calamity occur. A storm shelter was underground with a secure door on top. During a terrible storm or tornado a family was safe underground no matter the chaos that was occurring above ground. A family never knew how long they would be in that shelter so provisions had been made for food, lanterns for light and quilts to snuggle under. It was a place of safety, security and provision...all needs met. It wasn't a place where people lived...it was a temporary safe place until a storm was gone. It wasn't even a place we cousins could go into or play in. It was considered to be a shelter and shelter only...no playing.

There are in our day many dog shelters. I have known folks who have gone to such to find a new family pet and have had great success in that process. The dog in the shelter had perhaps come just from the streets, from abusive homes or having been a part of a litter of puppies owners just couldn't care for. Aside from the reasons, animals in a shelter have full provision...warmth, food, exercise, roof over their heads and perhaps medical help if affordable for the shelter. The dog isn't there because it wants to be. It's there because of great need and stays there until a permanent home can be found for it. A shelter whether for people or animals is meant to be only a temporary place.

In my recent review of Psalm 91, that is my favorite chapter in the Old Testament, I have been pouring over the first verse of that Psalm that also assures me of God's provision and protection:

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty

I am so blessed as I look at that verse and see the wonderful provision for shelter God has provided for my life. They may not be literal places in most instances but spiritually speaking, they are as real to me as the sun in the sky or the moon at night.

In that SECRET PLACE I am alone with Him and no one has to know I'm there or what is going on between me and my Father. I can pour out my heart to Him whether they be my concerns or yes, my joys as well. It's a place of comfort where I am accepted, loved and understood. I come apart frp, that place feeling refreshed where no one knew where I was for that moment. I was in my secret place where I felt sheltered.

All of us should appreciate SHADOWS. In the heat of a summer day, sitting in the shade of a tree in one's yard can be soothing. Folks who hike the trails in our mountains will tell you how much they love the trees along the way. Hikers can stop anytime along the trail and sit on a rock under the shade of a huge tree with many long limbs that are covered with leaves. There is protection from the heat of the sun bearing down, but are also refreshed by the breeze that comes from those rustling leaves while sitting in their shade. God has His way of providing shade for us in the heat of weary days. Shade from a tree too, is not permanent. It's meant to be a temporary stopping place to rest and catch one's breath.

We are such a blessed people as God has made every provision for our spiritual well being and safety if we will only learn to go to Him with our needs and yes, our fears. We must first feel the need of Him in those dire times. He's faithful in His watch care over us all the time but a shelter is a place we must voluntarily run to where God awaits with an open door.

For thou hast been a shelter for me,
and a strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in thy tabernacle forever:
I will trust in the covert of thy wings.
Psalm 61:3,4

Thank You, Heavenly Father...for always standing ready with your open arms of safety and shelter for me. Help me to see You are the One to run to, not other human beings who can't begin to help and protect me like you can. I love you today and am so grateful for Jesus in my life....Amen.