Listen to “Made Me Glad”

Read Psalm 46

Here in the Lowcountry of South Carolina we’re gearing up for a busy hurricane season. Of course it probably—hopefully—won’t be nearly as busy as last year, but just the thought of another Katrina or Hugo, which hit Charleston head on back in September of 1989, gives us all cause to consider the devastating power God has given to His creation. We stock up on all the necessary equipment and dry goods just in case we’re without power for any length of time. If we know the storm is going to be really strong, we pack vehicles with important documents and sentimental belongings and evacuate, hoping the roadways are not parking lots.

Psalm 46 tells us that God is our refuge and strength. Even when the mountains move, when the earth shakes, when the seas roar and foam, we have no reason to fear because God is our refuge. He is our strength. But maybe the storms we’re facing right now aren’t from nature. Maybe they’re from life itself. Relationship struggles, work problems, health issues, you name it. Just as God is able to shelter us in the time of natural storms He is able to shelter us in times of personal and internal storms. That doesn’t mean He will keep us from having to face those storms. He is “a very present help in trouble.” There will be trouble, no doubt. But He will always be with us, an ever-present help.

Thank God for His never-ending love and care for us. If you are going through a storm today, cry out to Him. Let Him know that you’re counting on His being a fortress for you. Pray that through whatever storm you’re eperiencing He will be exalted. Pray that on the other side of the storm, you will bear a closer image of His likeness.

Go and live under the promise of His protection.