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“I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.” - Psalm 55:8

On the Atlantic coast, the threat of a category 5 hurricane prompts all who are in its path to seek shelter. Windows are boarded up, belongings are bolted down, and families huddle closely together to survive the storm. For the wise sailor accustomed to the perils of the sea, there is a sense of urgency, but not panic as they batten down the hatches and retreat to the lower quarters of the ship’s stern.

The latin root for the word “tempest” is “tempestas,” which means “time” or “season.” Life, like the coastal shoreline, is expressed in many seasons. It is important to remember that even the fiercest squall will not last forever. The winds will cease. The waves will be stilled. The clouds will break and the sun will shine again. Even as the dove eventually returned to Noah with the olive leaf in its mouth, so too will serenity return to us.

When the waters rise and the winds rattle the windows of your soul, where do you go to find shelter? There are many scriptures that describe God as a shelter and a place to hide. Consider this depiction from the ancient prophet, "The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him (Nahum 1:7)".  When God is your shelter, your home and your protection, you and your family cannot be touched and you will not be overwhelmed. Jesus is the rock of our salvation, and when we build our lives upon Him, even a Cat5 hurricane cannot destroy you.  

Do not panic, but hurry to God with a sense of urgency. There is no time to waste, no guarantee in our delays. We must turn and run to Jesus.  Jesus is good. He is a strong tower when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.