Seeking Shelter

The too familiar tornado siren sounded once again. This time it was in the middle of the night. Randy and I ran to our children’s rooms to rouse them out of bed. With the basset hound in tow we all headed down the basement stairs. This was the third time in just under two weeks. The previous tornado touched down a little over a mile away. Checking the radar, we could see this twister was headed right down the highway in our direction. Once again, too close for comfort. Taking no chances, we climbed under the pool table and waited. Randy and I did our best to keep everyone calm and reassured them that we were safe.  Finally the storm passed and headed out to a farm field, wearing itself out.  We all went back to bed and tried to get a little more sleep.
I have never experienced a summer quite like that one. Honestly, I lost track of how many times that siren sent us seeking refuge in the basement.  One of the twisters that came through did quite a bit of damage to our city. Thankfully there was no loss of life, only property.
 Seeking refuge took on a very clear meaning to me during that summer. Sirens sounded and without hesitation we headed for shelter. Remembering all this has me thinking about seeking refuge spiritually.   As I read Psalm 91:2
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
I am so grateful that God truly is our refuge. The word “refuge” means shelter or protection from danger or distress. While sirens don’t literally go off when my soul needs refuge, there are warning signs that I can heed. When I’m feeling emotions that are contrary to God’s will for me such as anxiety, I need to head for the shelter of His arms.
Are there sirens going off in your life right now? If so, don’t hesitate to run for shelter. Spend some time in prayer, reading your Bible and seeking after God. He is ready and able to be your refuge.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Loving & Serving Others

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.   If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. As I read these verses today, I am challenged to find ways to love others deeply, to serve them, and to offer hospitality during this most unusual time. I fully believe that with God all things are possible. We may have to think outside the box, but it can be done.   I am so encouraged as I see that some of the worst times are bringing out the best in many people. We have the ability to serve one another in so many ways, despite our current situation.
Read more

Where the Tweet Hits the Street or A White Suburban Woman's Call to Confront Racism

As I sit before an empty screen and type, my heart is anything but empty. My heart is full; full of sadness, despair, guilt, confusion, pain, and questions. The divide in our nation is deep, deeper than I’ve ever seen it. I have literally and figuratively been driven to my knees in prayer and brokenness. The problems we face are enormous and I am just one person. Moreover, I am just one 55 year old white woman from the suburbs.  So, I’ve prayed and prayed. I have cried out to God, asking him what I should do. HE has replied, over and over by putting these words on my heart. I am going to share them in several different versions because as I have parked on Micah 6:8, each version has added clarity to my focus. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (NIV) He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to w
Read more

Sidewalk Chalk, Christmas Lights & Fruit

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV What an amazing passage to being my day! I am reminded to trust in the Lord and promised that because I am planted in HIM, I don’t have to fear circumstances. This passage also makes it my heart’s desire to continue to bear fruit to HIS glory in this season. My heart is truly overflowing as I read these words in Jeremiah.  I felt I had to do something today so my daughter, Carly and I headed outside. Together we covered our driveway with encouraging words and happy images for our neighbors. As we were chalking, we waved at everyone driving past and they returned our waves. Friends, it is the little things! Now, as I type this, my husband is outside stringing up
Read more