A safe refuge
by Margaret Silvester
On one occasion when my husband and I were walking high up in the Alps we were caught in a violent storm. In the middle of nowhere we came across a small hut, a refuge which was locked. We pressed as close as we could into the sheltered side of the hut and under its protection we waited for the storm to pass, sheltered from the wind and driving rain.
As the psalmist faced the storms of life, the Lord Himself was His refuge – his place of shelter and protection in uncertain times. He could testify that those who trust in God are secure whatever is going on around them. Even though there was open threat from the enemy, hidden dangers that he couldn’t see and terror at night, because God was his refuge, his permanent place of resting, he knew he was safe. Because He knew the character of God he could say, “He’s my God and I’m trusting Him.” In this security the Psalmist didn’t give in to fear.
None of us escape the storms of life. Sometimes they come without warning and they can be quite furious at times. The noise of the storm can even deafen us so that we don’t hear the still small voice of God whispering peace to our souls.
When Jesus was asleep in the boat with His disciples, a storm blew up on Galilee. The terrified disciples seemed to momentarily forget that Jesus was with them in the boat and that in His presence they were safe from harm. Jesus spoke to the storm, “Peace, be still.” The sea became calm and the fearful, troubled hearts of the disciples were stilled.
The Christian life is about relationship with Jesus. In our turmoil He whispers His words of comfort and assurance as He did on the Sea of Galilee. Does He say to you today, “Why are you troubled and so afraid? Don’t you have faith, to trust Me to carry you through the storm?\"
Storms only last a short time. They can be God’s opportunity of drawing us closer to Himself and of growing our faith as we prove His faithfulness and experience His protection.
Prayer: Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your presence and protection during the storms of life. Thank You that You are trustworthy at all times. May I find peace today in the knowledge that You are with me as my shield and defender. Amen.
Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God. Margaret`s book "Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God" has recently been published.
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