What’s your first response when you suddenly find yourself caught out in the open during a thunderstorm? You make a mad dash for cover, do you not? It has something to do with that natural instinct we call “self-preservation.” We know that as long as we’re in the open we’re in danger of being struck by lightening; or at the very least, we’ll begin to resemble a drowned rat. Either way, I think you’ll agree that seeking shelter is the smart thing to do.
The idea of shelter in the storms of life is also found in Psalm 27:5, where we find these comforting words: “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” That verse doesn’t mean that the child of God won’t have to deal with trouble or tragedy, but rather that when troubles come, we will find solace and comfort in Him. In fact, troubles and storms in our lives often drive us closer to the Lord. Verse eight of the same psalm quoted above says, “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” In short, trials often cause us to respond to the Lord more readily.
On September 1, I returned home, here in Port O’Connor, in the wee hours of the morning, having made the long trip from Greenville, Texas, where Shirley and I had waited out most of the destructive wrath of Hurricane Harvey. After partially unloading the car, I checked my computer for news. As I searched the posts, I became aware that quite a number of my friends from various states seemed to be concerned about our whereabouts. Until then, Shirley and I didn’t know we were supposed to be missing. I became concerned that our friends, family, and church members were worried about us. However, cellphone service had been “iffy” at best. But I still found it remarkable that so many folks were disturbed about our well being. I was humbled by it all.
One of the people who seemed to express concern about our safety was a friend named Paul Sorensen. I answered his inquiry with the following post:
“All is well, Paul. Due to God’s miraculous power on our behalf, the sanctuary, fellowship hall, and parsonage were spared any significant damage, including most of the rest of Port O’Connor. All of this was in spite of the fact that POC was very close to the landfall point. Not only that, but we were also situated on the east side of the eyewall of the storm, which as you know, is usually the strongest and most damaging aspect of a hurricane. Contrary to what one would have expected from this monster, we did not, with very few exceptions, have any water damage to our homes or property. We had to leave town so quickly, there was no way we could get much of our belongings in the car. I was expecting to find three or four feet of water standing in the house when we returned from Greenville, Texas. When we returned home today, (Sept. 1, 2017), everything was just as we’d left it. All was dry and untouched…It was as though God reached down and covered Port O’Connor from the raging winds and waves with His hand. Please continue to pray for the thousands across Texas who have suffered great loss due to this horrific storm. Praise God and the Lamb forever! (Donnie)”
There’s an old gospel song written by Jimmie Davis and Reba Rambo that would seem to apply well to the ravages of Harvey. The first verse and chorus says:
“I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender
They’re leading me in paths that I must trod
I’ll have no fear
For Jesus walks beside me
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God
Chorus: So let the storms rage high
The dark clouds rise
They don’t worry me
For I’m sheltered, safe, within the arms of God
He walks with me
And naught of earth shall harm me
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.”
Allow me to leave with you this final thought from God’s Word: “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Ps. 34:8).
