GOD OFFERS US SHELTER FROM THE STORMS OF LIFE

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Look at that beautiful butterfly, and learn from it to trust in God. One might wonder where it could live in tempestuous nights, in the whirlwind, or in the stormy day; but I have noticed it is safe and dry under the broad leaf while rivers have been flooded, and the mountain oaks torn up from their roots. – Jeremy Taylor, 17th century Theologian

Times in life can cause us to feel much like this butterfly. A storm is raging, without and within. It is then we find refuge in God’s protection. He who controls the winds and the seas, the rains and the tempests, keeps us safe. We find shelter in the shadow of His wings until such time as all these calamities pass by (Psalm 57:1).

The butterfly is not anxious as it nestles in the cover of the leaves. It does not worry as it awaits the storm to pass. For it huddles securely in the shelter that God so graciously gives. It patiently awaits the expected calm after the storm. When the clearing occurs, it alights on the breeze and carries on with its everyday pattern of life. The storm becomes but a memory.

»   How does God want you to contend with life’s tempests?

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2

†   Take shelter with God

He is the Rock to whom you are securely tethered. He is your Shield and Protector. When the winds and storms of life batter against you, He longs for you to look to Him alone. Search out His peace and His tender love. For it is there He wants you to take shelter.

For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent. – Psalm 27:5

†   Seek His rest

Not only can you find shelter in the Lord, you also can discover His promised peace amidst the tempest. You need not be anxious while He tenderly holds you safe. For He desires that you find rest in His presence… that you trust the protection beneath His eternal wings.

Whoever listens to Me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. – Proverbs 1:33

†   Wait patiently

Faithfully await God’s works to unfold. Keep negativity from gaining a foothold in your life. Worrying cannot change the future. Remember God’s promises of protection. Search His Word for verses that will uplift and encourage. For the storm will pass. The weather will clear.

Where faith begins, anxiety ends; where anxiety begins, faith ends. – George Müller, Evangelist

†   Faith over fear

When your heart and mind are in turmoil, anxious and stressed… when your faith is overcome by your fears, you are not abiding in God. He cannot work freely in a life enveloped by fear. Allow His calm serenity to reign in you. For this will permit Him to work His providential will.

In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears. – Psalm 18:6

†   Commune with God

Prayer keeps the divine connection open… so important in stormy times. God will hear and He will answer. He is ever close to the troubled soul. Yet it will be in His way and His timing, not your own. Turn over your anxious thoughts to Him. He will carry your cares and fears.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid. – Psalm 56:3-4

†   Trust His work

The Most High God is at work in your life, even as the storm rages. Trust Him implicitly. For He is a God of absolute goodness who wants only your highest good. He is your safe haven in the tempest. Storms may last for a time… yet His protection lasts for eternity.

You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. – Psalm 32:7

†   Maintain hope

Watch for the sun to shine again. Allow the Son to shine in your life. His mercy is neverending. Keep your hope alive. Soon you will set out again and this will become just a memory. Carry with you this remembrance of His everlasting faithfulness.

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Lord… Quiet my anxious thoughts. Let me find rest in the shadow of Your wings. I will wait patiently, trustingly for these calamities to pass. I will watch for the storm to break. I refuse to allow negativity to take over my attitude. For I know You will work in a heart that is stayed on You. Thank You that I can forever trust Your faithful, abiding presence with me. Amen.

†   Eternal Takeaway – God is the calm in our storms, the rest in our tempests   †