Yet another snow storm strikes. Everyone I know is sick of snow, shoveling and poor road conditions. When I’m out in a storm, I just want to get home. There is something about home that calls to me when I’m away. That calling multiplies when storms hit. I want to get to where I’m safe, warm and protected. It’s my place of refuge, but it’s just a building.
Refuge is a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. It is something I seek in when storms hit. I want shelter and safety. It can be a building, but I can’t take it with me. I have to go out. I have to leave my place of comfort and safety. I have another source of refuge that never leaves me. I want that sense of comfort no matter where I am or what I face. God is that source of refuge that I can seek at any time.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3 NIV).
You, God, are my refuge and strength. You are where I run when Iife is hard. You are where I turn for comfort. You are the source of peace in my heart. You are the calm in my storms. You are always with me even in the midst of life’s turbulence.
As I seek to restore my heart and calm anxieties, You are with me. As I face difficult memories from my childhood, You bring me comfort. As I explore the choices of a young girl trying to make sense of the senseless, You push away the fear.
Why would You hold me up when I want to crumble to the floor? Why do You wipe the tears off my face? Why do you bring strength when I feel so weak? Why, because You always keep your promises. You want me to share those promises with others. You want to be everyone’s refuge in the storm.
Where do you go in a storm? How has God been a refuge for you? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.