Sheltering in Jesus
The three basic needs of human beings are food, clothing and shelter and these become even more apparent – and urgent – during a catastrophe. Hurricane Ian tore through the Caribbean and Florida, stripping many people of all three in one fell swoop. Thankfully, many organizations have come to the rescue, providing people with food and helping them during the clean up.
We humans need another kind of shelter, one we can find only in God. Years ago, I was introduced to the concept of shelter verses. These are the ones you go to when the storms of life are pummeling you. You can read about shelter in the Psalms: 27:5, 91:1-2, 71:3. You may already have some go-to verses, but maybe you haven’t thought of them as the ones to hold on to and climb under during a trial. It’s important to have a shelter in place before the storms come.
I was able to come up with five right away and they are still my favorites. Here are mine:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV throughout) – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
II Chronicles 20:12 – “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
The storms will come, some mild and some that might threaten to blow you off your foundation, but with the right shelter, built on the rock of Jesus, you can withstand them all.
Study by Tammy Tkach
First published on 4 October 2022, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.gracecom.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church