“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” Psalm 61:2-3
When I was fifteen, I was attending Vocational School in Saint John and boarding with some friends of our family. One day classes were dismissed early because of a snowstorm. There were supposed to be city buses waiting for us when we left the school, but there were none. It was hard walking, the sidewalks were slippery, and it was cold. The snow turned to sleet.
When we reached Main Street, we saw that the buses had not been able to make it up the hill, and so we continued walking. At one point, my friends had to go in a different direction, and I was alone. I could hardly see because of the sleet but had no choice but to keep moving. What a relief it was to finally reach Stanley Street. My hands were so cold I could hardly push the doorbell. But how good it felt to enter the warm hallway and know that I was safe and sheltered from the storm.
We had lots of snowstorms this winter, and I am always thankful that I am inside a warm home and do not have to go outside. I never want to go through that experience again.
Everyone will face storms at some point. Sickness comes at one time or another to us all. We may watch as a loved one suffers and passes from this life. Financial problems may press us down. These things come to all. But it is so great to know that our loving Heavenly Father is there for us. As we call upon His Name, He is our shelter and our fortress. He protects us. He does not always take the storm away, but He guides and protects us until the storm is over.
Thought For Today; When you are facing a story, this old song is a good prayer to pray.
“‘Til the storm passes over,
’til the thunder sounds no more.
‘Til the clouds roll forever from the sky
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand.
Keep me safe ’til the storm passes by.”
Devotion by Anne Johnston
