Storm Shelter

I'm so over tornadoes.  This month has been intense and exhausting for most of Oklahoma.  The thunderstorms, hail, and especially the tornadoes have people on high alert.  Malori has talked about how safe she feels in her storm shelter, and how comforting it is just to know that it's there when she needs it.  My parents are putting in a safe room, and I called today to book an appointment to get an underground storm shelter... (that company is booked through November, but at least I'll be safe next year!)  After the huge tornado on May 20th, people across the state are seeking shelter and protection -- a place of refuge deep enough or strong enough to withstand a fierce, deadly, violent storm!

And of course, this got me thinking about God -- about all the verses where He is called our "shelter" or "refuge" or "place of safety."  I know it's an obvious metaphor to write about, but I'm going to write it anyway.  In the same way that the last couple weeks have been an extreme storm season for our state, we all have stormy seasons of life where it's just one devastating/difficult thing after another and we feel overwhelmed or anxious about what's coming next.  This year has felt a bit like that for me - the storms are quiet now, but who knows how long that will last.  Our hearts need a "storm shelter," a place of refuge deep enough and strong enough to withstand any crisis!  

Resting securely in a storm shelter in the middle of a major tornado is a perfect picture of what it means to 'abide' and take refuge in Christ as the storms of life whirl around us.  He is peace in the midst of chaos, and He preserves life in the midst of destruction.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.”  ~Psalm 91:1-2

“How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.”  ~Psalm 36:7

“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.”  ~Psalm 61:2-3

“The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.”  ~Psalm 121:5

“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.”  ~Psalm 32:7

“You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.”  ~Isaiah 25:4

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  ~Psalm 18:2

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”  ~Psalm 32:7

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”  ~Isaiah 43:2

“But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.” ~Psalm 5:11

“You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.”  ~Psalm 31:20

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  ~Psalm 46:1

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”  ~Psalm 62:8

“In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be ashamed.”  ~Psalm 71:1

“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.”  ~Psalm 118:8

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“Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”  ~Proverbs 30:5

“For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat...”  ~Isaiah 25:4

“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; 
He knows those who take refuge in Him.” ~Nahum 1:7