Photo courtesy of Luis Edwardo Bastias
Excruciating pain pierced through my head. At 3:00 a.m., I tiptoed to the kitchen to swallow a few ibuprofens. I returned to bed praying this headache will not debilitate me; I have too many things to do today.
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
(Psalm 91:1, NLT)
Four hours later, I rest on the porch swing, waiting for the impending storm. Thunder erupts, shaking the house. “Good morning Lord.” I reply.
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.” (Psalm 29:3, NIV)
The gentle rainfall turns into a downpour. My headache abates. Praise the Lord! My two Jack Russel Terriers scratch at my legs, begging to seek shelter under me.
“The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.” (Psalm 29:7, NIV)
Photo courtesy of April White
Thunder rolls and lightning splits the sky. I count the seconds between the thunder and lightning, less than two seconds. Thanks to modern technology, the spark on my phone indicates a bolt of lightning 1.2 miles from my current location. In bold letters I read “SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.” I watch as early morning boaters race along the water seeking shelter in a nearby empty boat slip.
“I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” (Psalm 55:8, NIV)
“Lord, Your Word says You are always with me. At this very moment I hear Your voice in the booming thunder. I see Your voice as You split the sky with lightning. Even the air molecules scurry at the sound of Your voice. Lord, I feel Your presence. Hear my prayer.”
“The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.’”
(Psalm 91:14, NLT)
Sensing God’s nearness, I spoke my prayers aloud, rather than writing them in a journal. God responded with thunder. Our conversation turned into a melody. My pianissimo whispered prayers answered by His fortissimo voice.
“He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence.” (Revelation 7:15, NIV)
I had planned on applying a second coat of stain to the deck today, but the storm gave me a reason to rest. I don’t rest well and God knows that all too well. Today, He forced me to rest. God reminded me that He will be “a refuge and hiding place in the storm and rain” (Isaiah 4:6, NIV). There is value in rest and relaxing the spirit and body. God is teaching me that if I don’t take the time to incorporate rest in my daily life, He will force it upon me.
Dear friend, what is your current storm? What area of your life do you need to seek shelter and rest?
Seeking shelter in Him,
~April
Connect with me: Email redchairmoments@gmail.com
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