The cold winter days have passed and the warm spring days are upon us.  However, with the change in seasons comes the unpredictable spring time weather, of storms and possible tornadoes.  When the storms approach, the sirens alert us to get to our safe spot.   Whether it’s in a basement  or a bathtub, we must seek safety and take cover, finding a place of refuge.  We can seek physical shelter from the turbulent weather, but it is God in whom we must seek shelter from the storms of life.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. 

Psalm 46:1

How can we take refuge in the Lord?  First we can find comfort in the word of God.  In his presence, there is power.  When we take the time to recenter our lives by reading the word of God, we find comfort.  Seeking refuge in the word of God gives us peace.  His word provides shelter from a troubling world.  Reading the word of God offers us hope in unsettling times.  

Blessed  is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 

Psalm 1: 1-2

Have you ever been told that you are, “my rock?”  You are the solid foundation that someone can depend on when they are feeling low.  You are the comforter that a friend can rely on no matter what.  You are the one person that will not judge but will support without judgement.  You are that solid foundation that a friend can trust.  DId you know that God can be that “rock” for you too?  He is the solid foundation that never fails.  Psalm 62:6 says, He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  You can take comfort in knowing that he is your shield of protection against the enemy that wants to take hold of your life.  

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

As I was writing this I was reminded of an old hymn that I used to sing in church, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”  It was written by Martin Luther sometime in the late 1520’s.  Below are the lyrics from this beloved hymn which were taken from Psalm 46.

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing:
Our helper He, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work his woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth is his name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,—
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! His doom is sure,—
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers—
No thanks to them—abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also:
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is for ever.

May you find comfort in knowing that God is your fortress, He is your rock, He is your salvation, in Him you can find peace.  Amen

He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. 

Psalm 91:2