How To Find the Best Shelter When Storms of Life Hit

The best shelter isn’t always where you think. 

The storm had been threatening for the last few hours. Finally, the sky released its fury. The rain and wind pummeled us, but it was the lightening that chased us off the lake. We paddled hard to get to get to shore.

Hubby took charge of securing our canoes while I sought shelter from the storm for my man, myself and our three boys. It wasn’t much, but the low-hanging branches of a pine tree afforded protection from the worst of the rain. 

Eventually, the danger passed and we resumed our paddle to a campsite. 

Seeking Shelter from Life’s Storms

Few of us enjoy being tossed around in a storm: whether a literal one found in nature or a figurative disturbance in our lives. Rather we’d prefer to be sheltered from the affects of either kind.

Unfortunately, we don’t always look in the right place when (not if) the storms of life hit. 

• Sometimes we trust our own strength to anchor us until the squall passes.
• Sometimes we turn to others to help. 
• Sometimes we take steps to forget we even need a refuge.

Each of these can be effective on occasion. However, when our hearts are fearful and hurting, we need to find a shelter that is infinitely strong and always present. We need a safe place where we can regain a sense of peace and rediscover joy.  

An Unfailing Shelter

Only one place offers us that unfailing refuge: in the shadow of the Almighty, in the shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1). When we feel pummeled from every direction, when life throws us one curveball after another, when we’re soaked to the skin and bone tired, God welcomes us to rest in Him. 

Only one place offers us an unfailing refuge: in the shadow of the Almighty, in the shelter of the Most High. Click To Tweet

He offers unshakeable and unchanging promises. Promises to provide what we need to weather any storm. He’ll set us high upon a rock. He’ll hide us under His wings. He’ll shield and protect us. 

Nothing is too hard for God. No storm is too great. 

But we need to recognize where our shelter lies. We need to offer ourselves reminders as to where to look. 

Nothing is too hard for God. No storm is too great. But we need to recognize where our shelter lies. Click To Tweet

Life distracts. Our pride rears its ugly head. Other options entice. 

King David knew this. He knew that the only shelter he could forever count on would be the Lord. But he also knew how easily it would be (and was) to forget that.

So he wrote about the hope he found in the Almighty. He sang about the greatness of God. He wrote poems and prayers acknowledging the Rock that would never fail him.  

He reminded himself of the promises found in the Lord by praising Him. And when fierce winds threatened David remembered and knew hope. 

Be Reminded of Your Greatest Shelter

I used to find myself tossed around by my daily circumstances. I rode a roller coaster of emotions.

Then I discovered the blessing of reminding and remembering the greatness of God. Through a daily practice of praise and thanksgiving I became firmly anchored in Him.

I now know a peace that withstands gale-force winds. Yes, life has tested it! 

Now unwanted happenings no longer hold the power they used to. Sure, I still know sorrow. I still feel regrets and heartache and anger, but they no longer rule my life, they no longer control my days. 

Praise Ushers in Peace

Praise ushers in a peace that passes all understanding. King David knew it. I’m experiencing it. You can too.

God offers Himself as our solid shelter free of charge. We simply have to remind ourselves He’s there and always will be. 

God offers Himself as our solid shelter free of charge. We have to remind ourselves He's there & always will be. Click To Tweet

And that’s as simple as daily worship. 

“For [God] will conceal me in His shelter
in the day of adversity;
He will hide me under the cover of His tent;
He will set me high on a rock.” Psalm 27:5

Praise ushers in a peace that passes all understanding. Discover it for yourself. #everydaypraisebook Click To Tweet

Reflections: Where do you currently find shelter when storms of life hit? Do you turn elsewhere at times because you don’t believe God’s promises or you forget them? Why not incorporate the practice of daily praise and be reminded where your greatest shelter lies?  

I am always thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “running for shelter” Click on the image to check out the wonderful encouragement.