February 23

Sanctuary in the Storm

I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear LORD, my cry for mercy. Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle (Psalm 140:6, 7).

Scripture: Psalm 140:1-8

Song: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”

I was but eight years old when hurricane Hazel tore through Mathews County, yet the memory remains razor sharp. My mother, sister, and I peered out a window as the storm blew down two oak trees. I’d never seen anything like that. To me, the world felt dangerously out of control but I didn’t know what to do. Mom, on the other hand, knew. She silently cried out to God for mercy and deliverance. Silently, so as not to alarm my sister and me.

Young David experienced personal danger at many points in his life: in the open fields watching over his father’s sheep; on the battle field facing Goliath; when living in King Saul’s household. Even then, David knew exactly what to do in personal danger—cry out to the Lord for mercy and deliverance.

Storms will come into our lives. When they rage, God is there with us. He is the strong deliverer who can shield us. The doors to God’s sanctuary are accessible to everyone. All we need to do is call out to God with confidence as His beloved.

Holy Father, all honor and glory to You for You are my ever-present refuge amidst life’s chaos. In Your mercy and grace, You welcome me in with open arms. Oh, that I may love You nearly as much as You have first loved me. In Jesus’ name, I pray.