A Shelter in the Time of Storm

Posted on March 12th, 2014

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

By: Catherine Patterson

Storms are typically not welcome. Unless you are a danger-driven storm chaser, you typically do not appreciate storms. From an infant’s instinctive fear to an adult’s uneasiness, storms make all kinds of people apprehensive, mainly due to the uncertainty that accompanies them. How long will it last? Where will the lightning strike? Am I safe? These questions and much more tend to flood our minds while in the midst of a storm. If you ask a child what she does during a storm, the typical reply is that she runs to her parents. Even though she knows her parents cannot make the storm stop, she is less frightened while in their presence.

The word ‘storm’ does not merely refer to strong winds, downpours of rain and flashes of lightning. The more terrifying storms often occur in our lives. And an umbrella and raincoat can’t help with them. We often call them troublesome obstacles, hardships, or a difficulty we must deal with. Having to change schools in the middle of the year; parents choosing to divorce; your mother battling cancer; or your father losing his job can all be classified as storms. The same uncertainty accompanies these storms as do weather related storms. How will we make it? Will we have enough money? Why did this happen to me? We are scared because we do not know what will happen tomorrow.

I’ve learned that just like a child runs to her parents, we can run to God. You know, He knows all the answers to our questions. He knows why we have to face this storm, how it will affect our lives, and how to handle it.

In my children’s choir, we’ve been working on the hymn, A Shelter in the Time of Storm. In an effort to ensure my class understood what the hymn was about, I asked my four-year-olds the exact question above, “What do you do when you’re scared during a storm?” One little girl replied, “I pray to God.” That is exactly right! Even these kids understand that God is the best place to run to. The hymn describes God as being our Rock, a shelter in the time of storm.

I wonder, what storm are you facing? Is someone bullying you? Are you having trouble with math? Did you not make the volleyball team? Do you have to stay home alone until your parents get in from work? Are you afraid of the dark? Are you having trouble making friends in your new school? How are you handling the difficult situation in your life? Have you tried running to God? He knows the storms you face daily. And He’s just waiting for you to run to Him for help.

Remember, what happens after a storm? The sun comes out! Once you turn your worries over to God, you no longer have to be alone in the dark.

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain

The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain

O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Vernon J. Charlesworth 1839-1915

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