“Shelter in the Storm” – Summer Devotional Series

By: Emily Lehner

Shelter in the Storm

Rain, Rain, …Stay?

 

Because of my disfavor for high temperatures, I have thoroughly enjoyed the weather lately — the endless drizzle of rain, the thrill of the sky getting dark, the low rumbling of thunder approaching, the wind picking up and the trees swaying and bending and sometimes breaking.

 

However, I think most of all, I love the protection and comfort I feel during the thunderstorms. I love shutting the windows to my house and watching contentedly and safely from behind closed doors. We desire protection. We want to know that in the absolute worst of moments, the absolute worst of storms, we are going to live to see the rainbow that appears so gently in the sky afterward.

 

I think it is safe to say that we desire this comfort in every aspect of our lives. As children, we sprint as fast as we can to our parent’s bedroom door where we burst in asking for a safe place to sleep — a place to save us from the monsters that lurk in our closets or under our beds. As teenagers, we find comfort in a warm meal provided for us after a long day at school or having someone to talk to when times get rough. As adults, we find comfort in knowing our children are safe or that our spouse deeply loves us. At every stage in life, we crave the feeling of knowing someone or something is going to shield us from life’s most tragic, frightening moments.

 

Last spring, I remember a storm hitting that was one of the most brief, but most frightening storms I have probably ever experienced. I think it was so frightening because I happened to be driving at the time it happened. It was one of those storms where you can barely see the road that’s paved a foot in front of you. The storm came and went and with it came a beautiful sunset. Hues of pink and purple streaked the sky. I just happened to take a moment to glance out the window to see it. I was so intrigued by it, that when I arrived home, I decided to walk to the end of my driveway to see it.

 

As I was walking, I thought to myself how the storm from earlier that day had been worth it because of the beauty of the sky now placed in front of me.

 

Then, it was almost as if a thought was just placed ever so lightly on my mind and if I didn’t pay close enough attention, I would’ve completely missed it. I realized that God makes the storms in our lives worth it. He makes the floods, thunder and wind so incredibly worth it. He’s the sunset at the end of our trials, tears and broken hearts.

 

God is the house built firm and strong that can withstand the storm. God is the comfort we truly desire and need. He’s there always. He promises that.

 

Isaiah 41:10:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

 

Psalm 119:114:

“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”

 

The storms are going to come and they’re going to toss you around and leave you feeling hopeless and abandoned if you don’t have shelter. Without God, you may never see that satisfying rainbow or sunset. What more is it going to take for you to seek shelter in Him?

 

This post originally appeared on Emily’s blog at www.EmilyLehner.wordpress.com. Check it out for more devotionals and stories!

 

Emily Lehner is a writer for the Alumni Center, and is a Sophomore Writing major. She is active on the cross country and track teams. She is passionate about using her writing skills to share the good news of Christ with others and writes often on her personal blog at www.emilylehner.wordpress.com. Her blog includes personal trials, triumphs, and devotion style writing. 

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One Reply to ““Shelter in the Storm” – Summer Devotional Series”

  1. I “just happened” to come across this article today, the day before three severe storms have been predicted for my life. I needed to hear your words. Thank you for sharing your gift.

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