Often we must understand bad news in order to perceive and appreciate good news. It is the same with finding shelter in God. Until we are uncovered it is difficult to appreciate being covered. This is the nature of all life. Impermanence. Limited control. The necessity to learn to hope.
A good question: Who has given you shelter? A parent? A teacher? A sibling? A neighbor? What was your exposure, and how did the shelter occur? If so, what difference did such shelter give toward shaping you? If you have received shelter in your life then you know what relief can occur with these kinds of action.
How does a person find shelter?
Shelter often finds us. Perhaps through the person who has chosen to notice or decided to be aware – and act. In someone who looks my way when everyone else seems not to notice. It would be great if it was easy to surround ourselves with shelter hearts and souls, but this appears to be the exception. A shelter heart has often experienced shelter himself/herself. When we have experienced shelter it is more readily apparent to us. We may even choose friends based upon the safety we feel when we are around them.
Safety is an interesting concept. What makes us feel safe? When you feel safe what are the things which come from such a mindset? What makes us exposed? What are your fear factors that set you off? When do you feel the most peaceful – at rest – accepted?
The Living God IS Shelter. Shelter is found and embraced through revelation and usually through 1) nature (both the macro and the micro), 2) the Word (Bible), or 3) in the peace we find in being known (Jesus).
Psalm 107 tells the story of how God’s people found Shelter in their troubles – just as we may experience. It is somewhat lengthy so we will excerpt some of the declarative statements:
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Let the one who is brought back from trouble (the adversary)by the LORD say so…” (1-3)
“Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His astonishing wonders to the sons of men! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.” (8-9)
“There were those who made their home in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Therefore He humbled their heart with labor – they stumbled and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart.” (10-14)
“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!” (19-21)
“They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, and were at their wits’ end. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses. He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!” (28-31)
But He sets the needy securely on high away from affliction, and makes his families like a flock.” (41)
Now THAT is a sheltering force!
Another good reflective question: Who have you provided shelter to? In what ways has God taught you to recognize and respond to those around you who need shelter? What has providing shelter for another done to expand your own heart and soul.
To pursue shelter we must see the VALUE in it. We must identify a SOURCE of true shelter and embrace it. We then benefit from being drawn into a life of sheltering OTHERS – following the example of our Lord God – and finding lives of grateful thankfulness (did you notice the repeated thankful thread in Psalm 107?)
Pursuing shelter with you!
Dave and Burnadette