In the Shadow of His Wings

In The Storm

Finding Shelter

I awoke to the sound of the storm bearing down on our little cottage on the cliffs, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This was no little storm. High winds were buffeting the side of our cottage with nothing to slow the winds down. Doors rattled and rain blew in by drops through the glass door. All night long we listened to the storm raging outside—glad that we were dry and safe inside.

I have been through storms before, nothing as bad as I know others have gone through. But no matter what kind of storm I am in the middle of, I understand and appreciate how vulnerable I am at that moment.

My journey through life is going to encounter personal storms. They are a given. Some are short, but strong and hard. Others may just seem to be never-ending. Some come on suddenly, and I find I am not prepared. Others I see coming, yet I cannot get out of the way.

How I will do in each storm is up to me. Do I find shelter? Do I survive it? Do I find peace and comfort? Do I find the strength to go through it?

Take shelter! Take shelter in the loving arms of God Almighty.

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61: 4)

I survived a big “life” storm many years ago, though not on my own. My first inkling in this storm was to just curl up and cry out “why?” I knew I couldn’t stay there feeling helpless. A sister in Christ came along side me, and as we studied God’s Word, I changed “why?” into “You are my Lord, my God”, as Moses frequently cried out to God.

In my storm…I needed to recognize who was my Lord, my God. God, and God alone, was going to get me through the storm. I found this to be such a simple, yet powerful prayer, “You are my Lord, my God”.

In my storm…I needed to hold on to His love. “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:7). To know His unfailing love brought healing, peace, and comfort.

In my storm…I knew I didn’t want to become resentful, bitter, or “ugly”. I am (I was) His child. I know my life has one purpose, which is to glorify Him through my actions and my words. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Wow! That’s really tough to do on my own…right? But you see I was not on my own. I had my God right beside me through every moment of my storm. I knew His hands guided me, His words taught me how to live in my storm, and His arms brought me comfort. Only then could my life glorify Him.

In my storm…I drew closer to God. How are you doing in your storm?