I think it’s cool how it can be raining out, but there are still patches of dry ground on the road.
The trees provide enough shelter to block the rain. If I’m standing under the sheltering tree, I can still see, hear, and maybe even feel the spray from the rain, but it’s not drenching me.
The phrase “storms of life” gets thrown around a lot, but I think it’s applicable because often the trials we face appear out of nowhere, don’t seem to leave, and cause difficulties.
“For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall” Isaiah 25:4 ESV
Here’s the kicker:
God won’t necessarily make the storm stop or take the storm away, but He will provide dry ground for you in the midst of your storm.
- “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” John 17:15 ESV
- “I have said these things to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
Did you catch that? Christ has already overcome the world and is more powerful than we can imagine. He will provide shelter.
- “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 ESV
- “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the corner of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5 ESV
Side thought: What’s my view of my storm? Am I exaggerating it in my mind? Am I giving it too much space in my thoughts? Am I in denial? Am I looking at the dry ground while standing in the rain, complaining about it? I need to pause for my moment of personal conviction.
Remnants of Rain
Now it’s the day after a heavy rain. The sun is shining, the air is clear. . . but I suddenly feel raindrops. Because the remnants of rain don’t suddenly disappear. They hang onto leaves and fall when the rain blows. There’s no on-off switch that makes everything dry at once.
What’s still there? Altered relationships? Changed health? Strained finances?
Let’s acknowledge those “raindrops”, not ignore them (I’m the worst offender of this – I just want some things to go away and be done).
And let’s cry out with the words that David spoke when he was hiding in the cave from Saul, trying to stay alive:
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” Psalm 57:1 ESV
Pause
Reflect
What’s your current “storm”? What “raindrops” are you experiencing?
Listen
“Never Lost”
I love the line in this live version that says “Don’t have to wait ’til the battle’s over, I can shout now.”
Listen
