It was pre-dawn and I noticed a silhouette hovering near my bed in the darkness.
“I can’t sleep,” said the scratchy voice of the blackened face belonging to our seven year old son, Kedar. Through blurred vision and a sleepy haze, I saw him stumble over to the window where the soft glow of the street lights illuminated his frowned up face. With squinted eyes, Kedar peered through the glass, seemingly mesmerized by the harsh sounds of thunder accompanying the sheets of rain that washed over our tucked away street.
“It’s okay,” I whispered hoarsely, my vocal chords still asleep. I reached out to my little guy whose growing taller everyday and nestled him closely. “It’s just a thunderstorm honey," I soothingly stroked his back. "Try to go back to sleep.”
While rubbing his eyes, barely alert, he said, “Okay mommy,” in a whiny, cracking voice, then walked out in a zombie-like state.
Though I fully expected Kedar to come back after being interrupted again by the boisterous sounds of the storm, he didn’t. He was able to return to a restful state and didn’t reawaken until his typical rising time.
Storms tend to frighten children, but I rather enjoy them—as long as I’m inside, sheltered from the elements, of course. There’s something about an overcast sky, heavy rain, thunder and lightning, that relaxes me.
For hours, I can lie in bed and sleep soundly as water violently pelts against my house, crackling sounds and flashes of light take over the sky, and blustery winds not-so-subtly rattle the window frames.
For me, there is comfort in knowing that while the storm is raging, I have a place of refuge to keep me safe, dry, and shielded. And the same is true in our spiritual walk with the Lord.
No matter how forcefully life’s storms may be raging all around us, Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV is such a reassuring word. It says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’”
So today, I’m stirring that scripture into your daily cup of inspiration along with a beautiful prayer found in Psalm 17:8 NIV which says, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” So when you drink down the contents of your cup today, you will be able to rest through the storm, knowing that you are the apple of God's eye. He's covering you through all of this. All you have to do is trust Him to be your refuge.
And if you ever feel anxious and in need of a shoulder to lean on in the middle of the storm, mimic Kedar's behavior and run into the arms of your Heavenly Father. Tell Him you're having trouble resting. I guarantee He will lovingly comfort You and assure You that everything is alright.
Whatever you’re going through at this moment, don't fret. Although the tempestuous winds of life may be blowing adversity your way, the Almighty One is right there to hide you in His bosom. Proverbs 18:10 sums it up perfectly: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
God, the storms of life can be intimidating and fierce. And it can be hard to rest with so many troubling things going on all around me. But You, Oh Lord, are a shield for me. You are my protector, my refuge, my strong tower, and my defense. Help me never to forget that, as long as I have You, I don’t have to worry about anything, because You’ve got me covered. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you!
