“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Ps 91:1-2 ESV
One of the most amazing desert phenomena during the summer are monsoon storms! The other day the boys and I heard thunder, seconds later we felt a few raindrops, then within minutes it was all gone. This reminded us of what we miss from Arizona summers. At one of our favorite hiking spots—the Hualapai Mountains along the main trailhead there is a small storm shelter in anticipation of these spontaneous storms. Monsoon storms showcase the amazing power of our Creator, yet they can be frightening and dangerous.
During our life journey of following Christ toward heaven, we encounter many scary storms that showcase God’s glory on earth. Most of them come at us out of seemingly nowhere! Some may even appear during a sunny season of life or just when we thought the last storm had resided. If we are not following closing behind Jesus’ footsteps, they may threaten to undo us. Often during a storm, I run to the nearest easy-up seeking shelter; when God has a tall tower not far. Yet, it may be an upward incline along a narrow path. We must keep walking in faith and remember that Christ leads us along the short path and takes our hand bringing us to a safe shelter in the Father’s strong arms. The picture these verses want to captivate in our hearts is one of steady protection from harm.
Storms can cause much havoc of flooding and destruction. If we abide in Christ, we don’t have to fear being overcome by the rising waters of our trials or our faith destroyed by doubt. No matter how we feel we can genuinely have joy in waiting on God to act as we anticipate how He will deliver us and display His greatness.
“On dark days when the only song we feel like singing is a dirge, we can pray. ‘Let the music of thy promise be on my tongue’ (Ps 119:172). This is no tear-jerking ballad of how I’m feeling. The promises of God will lift me right out of sad sentimentality and put music in my mouth if I will think steadily on them. Here’s one to sing: ‘Unfailing love enfolds him who trust in the Lord’ (Ps. 32:10). Do you feel nothing of the kind? When did the validity to the Eternal Word rest on the mood of one of His poor children? Let the promise be the song you sing He will hear it and make it true for you.” (Elisabeth Elliot, The Music of His Promises) May we seek to sing God’s praises come rain or shine and take refuge in the Most High. When our hearts are weighed down, let’s soak in His care and be awe-struck by the sight of the shadow of the Almighty.
This Thorny Rose 