Monday, January 18, 2010

Quiet Moments With God -- Finding Shelter

Several years ago, my husband and I were traveling across Texas. The weather looked ominous, but it wasn't tornado season so we weren't concerned, even though the clouds did look peculiar to us west coast travelers.

The music on the country western radio station, we were listening to, was interrupted by a warning message. That happens all the time here in Oregon, and it's always a test. We weren't worried. But the warning was followed by a loud rasping siren-type noise. A tornado warning was in effect for the county we were traveling through.

It was startling and I was instantly tense, especially when I looked at the countryside around us and wondered where we could possibly take shelter if a tornado did roar toward us. There were no towns within miles, nor rest areas. There weren't even any ditches as far as I could tell. I felt absolutely vulnerable. I knew that choosing the proper shelter in a storm could make the difference in whether a person lived or died, and I had no clue what to do. I prayed and was rewarded by the peace of God.

The day ended without our facing any kind of emergency. We saw amazing cloud formations, and that night we slept in a town located in the only watch box on the weather map. Still, we were free of worry and slept soundly. We'd taken refuge in the one who truly had control over our lives. God knows and sees it all. He knew exactly where we were and He watched over us.

Psalm 37:39 - 40 says, "The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He sees them and they find shelter in Him."

My husband and I weren't alone in the Texas wilderness. God's hand was upon us. We were sheltered by Him.

No matter what kind of storms we face, finding the right shelter makes all the difference. When we turn to the Lord, we know the refuge he offers is sturdy, dependable and full of mercy. When we need Him, He will hide us beneath the shadow of his wings. I can't think of a better place to rest.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:33 PM

    Ahhhh, you're so right. The sweetest refuge 'n shelter. Wish I'd use it 24/7 especially when there's no threat of storms----sigh. Thanks for the reminder! loveyou! patti iverson

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  2. Hi Patti. Oh yes, 24/7 -- if only we were there. I envision a child on a trip asking, "Are we there yet?"

    We're not, but one day we will know the glory of heaven and we will have arrived. It will be 24/7.

    Blessings to you,

    Bonnie

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