God offers us refuge in the storms of life
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis
Having lived in Central America, I have experienced torrential rainstorms.
These are the kinds where one could set a clock because of their daily occurrence at the same time. Often, I was caught out in the rain without the advantage of a place of shelter, a raincoat, or even an umbrella. You would think I would have learned, but I did not.
Shelter in a rainstorm is not essential for maintaining life, but it sure is nice. What is essential for shelter in a storm is a place to eventually dry off. A place to change into something dry, a warm fire if the downpour was cold, and a place to wait it out. Tropical rainstorms are not cold, but they are very wet.
What about life? What about a place to find shelter in our storms? A place to seek help, coverage, protection and rest. A place for healing, if need be. A place for comfort and solace. God is all of that and more. When we seek Him, He is that protection from the enemy, the storm, the accusations. Instead of the shame being thrown at us, He covers us with His love and acceptance.
In the Law of Moses, God provided places for those needing refuge who had committed manslaughter. There were six of these safe places in and around Israel. They were called “cities of refuge”. No part of Israel was more than 30 miles from one of them, and the roads were always kept clear, the city gates kept open and maintained by the priests. It was made easy for the people who needed asylum as they tried to escape the avenger of blood until trial because it was easy to reach and provided easy access once there.
God is our refuge. As King David wrote in Psalm 16, it was in God whom he sought refuge. Not only was David a king, but he was also a shepherd. He understood the need for a place for protection from the enemy, the place for comfort, a place for healing.
A sheep pen was typically used at night with the shepherd sleeping/standing guard in the doorway or entrance. The shepherd would keep watch for predators and would always know where each of his sheep were located. Jesus Christ calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” in John 10:14. He also calls Himself the gate for the sheep (John 10:7-9). He is also the cleft in which we hide (Exodus 33:22).
When we place our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, we are kept safe in Him from the avenger of blood. We all have fallen short of the glory of God because no one is good (Romans 3:23). The wages for our sins is death (Romans 6:23). But Jesus Christ became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) so we may be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). This means Christ is a like city of refuge for those who place their trust in Him. He is easily accessible from wherever we are. The road is kept clear and the door is always open. We can escape and find asylum in Him. Christ is our Defense, our Refuge, our Hope. He is our Life. He is our Savior.
When we feel we need to run, hide, and to find shelter form the onslaught of gossiping mouths, the mudslingers, and the enemy bent on revenge, we can run straight to Jesus and He will protect us.
What’s holding you back?
If you are unsure of Christ’s love for you, ask Him to show you. If you are unsure of acceptance in His presence, ask Him to be that covering, that protection from God’s wrath. Find the perfect shelter in Jesus and rest knowing He is for you, not against you. He is waiting for you to come to Him.
Let’s Pray: Father God, even before the Old Testament people understood the full meaning of a city of refuge, You established them. Even before they understood the need for salvation, You provided it, and You provided a Way through Your Son, Jesus. Even before we knew we needed shelter from our enemies and from Your righteous judgment, You provided everything we would need. I am amazed at Your goodness, Your Sovereignty, Your grace. I am thankful and I accept it. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.
~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “He Hideth My Soul” by Wintley Phipps. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #2: “A Secret Place” by Karen Clark Sheard. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #3: “Psalm 23” by Dr. Juanita Bynum. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #4: “Now Behold the Lamb” by Kirk Franklin featuring the church and choir scene from “The Gospel” movie. Listen to it here.
~*~
Author Bio:
As a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise their family.
“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.”
—Psalm 16:1 (NIV)
Having lived in Central America, I have experienced torrential rainstorms.
These are the kinds where one could set a clock because of their daily occurrence at the same time. Often, I was caught out in the rain without the advantage of a place of shelter, a raincoat, or even an umbrella. You would think I would have learned, but I did not.
Shelter in a rainstorm is not essential for maintaining life, but it sure is nice. What is essential for shelter in a storm is a place to eventually dry off. A place to change into something dry, a warm fire if the downpour was cold, and a place to wait it out. Tropical rainstorms are not cold, but they are very wet.
What about life? What about a place to find shelter in our storms? A place to seek help, coverage, protection and rest. A place for healing, if need be. A place for comfort and solace. God is all of that and more. When we seek Him, He is that protection from the enemy, the storm, the accusations. Instead of the shame being thrown at us, He covers us with His love and acceptance.
In the Law of Moses, God provided places for those needing refuge who had committed manslaughter. There were six of these safe places in and around Israel. They were called “cities of refuge”. No part of Israel was more than 30 miles from one of them, and the roads were always kept clear, the city gates kept open and maintained by the priests. It was made easy for the people who needed asylum as they tried to escape the avenger of blood until trial because it was easy to reach and provided easy access once there.
God is our refuge. As King David wrote in Psalm 16, it was in God whom he sought refuge. Not only was David a king, but he was also a shepherd. He understood the need for a place for protection from the enemy, the place for comfort, a place for healing.
A sheep pen was typically used at night with the shepherd sleeping/standing guard in the doorway or entrance. The shepherd would keep watch for predators and would always know where each of his sheep were located. Jesus Christ calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” in John 10:14. He also calls Himself the gate for the sheep (John 10:7-9). He is also the cleft in which we hide (Exodus 33:22).
When we place our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, we are kept safe in Him from the avenger of blood. We all have fallen short of the glory of God because no one is good (Romans 3:23). The wages for our sins is death (Romans 6:23). But Jesus Christ became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) so we may be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). This means Christ is a like city of refuge for those who place their trust in Him. He is easily accessible from wherever we are. The road is kept clear and the door is always open. We can escape and find asylum in Him. Christ is our Defense, our Refuge, our Hope. He is our Life. He is our Savior.
When we feel we need to run, hide, and to find shelter form the onslaught of gossiping mouths, the mudslingers, and the enemy bent on revenge, we can run straight to Jesus and He will protect us.
What’s holding you back?
If you are unsure of Christ’s love for you, ask Him to show you. If you are unsure of acceptance in His presence, ask Him to be that covering, that protection from God’s wrath. Find the perfect shelter in Jesus and rest knowing He is for you, not against you. He is waiting for you to come to Him.
Let’s Pray: Father God, even before the Old Testament people understood the full meaning of a city of refuge, You established them. Even before they understood the need for salvation, You provided it, and You provided a Way through Your Son, Jesus. Even before we knew we needed shelter from our enemies and from Your righteous judgment, You provided everything we would need. I am amazed at Your goodness, Your Sovereignty, Your grace. I am thankful and I accept it. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.
~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “He Hideth My Soul” by Wintley Phipps. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #2: “A Secret Place” by Karen Clark Sheard. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #3: “Psalm 23” by Dr. Juanita Bynum. Listen to it here.
Song of Reflection #4: “Now Behold the Lamb” by Kirk Franklin featuring the church and choir scene from “The Gospel” movie. Listen to it here.
~*~
Author Bio:
As a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise their family.
Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 26 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.
Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than 10 years, a Bible study writer for six years, and a devotional writer for more than four years.
Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own journey of more than five years with broken feet. She hopes to to encourage others with her faith walk and real-life stories.
~*~
Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog
