A Refuge, a Shadow and a Shelter
by Pam Smith
Isaiah 25:4 just about covers it all. We have the storms that life throws at us, the heat of the pressure we experience and the driving rain of merciless men and all they bring against us, physically, mentally and emotionally. They wear us out and bring us to melt down. Yet we can run to the Lord. He’s our Rock, our Refuge, our Shadow and our Shelter.
Our God is like a rugged rock where we can run to and be safe. We can hide in Him while the storm passes. He knows our deepest heartaches and can bring us through, comforting us with His wise and tender words.
He overshadows us when we go through the heat of oppression, causing us to bring the sacrifice of praise and to know the peace beyond understanding when we are under pressure.
And He’s our shelter – ‘His strength shows up best in weak people’, says the Living Bible. When we stay close He shields us from driving rain. He stands around about us as a father would, shielding his child from bad weather or danger.
‘Beneath the cross of Jesus, I feign would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land.
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way.
From the burning of the noontide heat and the burden of the day’.
(Elizabeth C Clephane)
There’s nowhere else to go. When we have our God the Rock, this is the only secure place to be. He won’t fail you, let you down or be moved. ‘Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I’.
Today let’s share these thoughts with someone we meet. This is the glorious Gospel. This is what we all need to hear. Someone might be desperate to know this today. Be the one to bring comfort and life to that dear one.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Blessed are You, our God and our Rock. Blessed are You when the world around is shaking, for You are our one secure stronghold in whom we put our trust. You are our anchor in every storm of life. Blessed be Your wonderful Name. Amen.
Pam Smith has a background in art and nursing, has a son and two daughters and six grandchildren. She has been a friend and helper of Ellel Ministries since l992, and has been involved with Healing Through Creativity Courses. As writer of the Shepherd Love Series, she has a passion for the comfort and encouragement that leads people towards enjoying abundant Life in Jesus.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship. Provided full acknowledgement is made to Seeds of the Kingdom as the source, you are also welcome to use it in a non-commercial way and reproduce it in magazines or other Christian websites. The copyright for any commercial use of the material remains with Ellel Ministries International.
