Shelter from the storm

By CHERYL CRUCE

Hurricane preparedness has been grilled into my being for as long as I can remember. Mom would prepare the inside of our home while Dad cared for the outside. Loose items were moved into the storage shed or secured by being anchored down. Before the discovery of bottled water, sinks, bathtubs, and an abundance of saved milk jugs would be filled to their brim. Batteries were refreshed in the transistor radio while candles were placed in a central location. Finally, our board games were gathered for family entertainment.
Somehow, I always felt safe in the storms; our parents were there to protect us. Conversely, when Hurricane Dora overwhelmed our region, we were sent fleeing in the middle of the night for shelter in the sanctuary of our church. I recall being carried through the howling winds as the rain poured upon us. I remember snuggling beneath a warm blanket with my head on Mom’s lap as her sweet voice sang me into a peaceful sleep.
Looking back, I realize the danger the storm imposed. As the winds and rains moved across the region, our town suffered much damage, as did many others. Maybe it was the naïve mind of a child, but I do not recall experiencing any fear during that time. I remember the safety and the strength of Daddy’s arms carrying me through the night. I remember the comfort of Mama’s love and care for us. I can still hear her voice singing through the night, but for the life of me, I cannot hear the sound of the winds raging outside our sanctuary.
So, it is with the Father’s love. His greatest joy is being with His children. Scripture teaches us of a Heavenly Father who is like a mighty warrior living among us. He is God, our protector, carrying us through life’s difficulties. His love is strong enough to calm our fears as He rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). His voice is harmonious as it echoes throughout the sanctuary, quieting our spirit with His eternal love.
The Scripture teaches us that we do not wrestle against the things of this world but against the powers of darkness in heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Our battles are often against fear, grief, anger, and the lies of the enemy. Sometimes, our most arduous struggle is watching the pain of a loved one as they struggle. However, these fiery darts of the adversary are quenched when we reach for the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
There is a surreal knowledge in knowing our faith brings us to the presence of God’s protection. The Psalmist writes about those who seek refuge beneath the shadow of the Father’s wings. Poetic? Maybe, nonetheless, He is our hiding place; His promised faithfulness is our armor against the terrors of the night and this world’s brokenness (Psalm 91). God will fight the battle for His children if we trust in Him (Exodus 14:14).
As children, we gave our care to our parents because they understood the storm’s strength. As children of God, we yield our care to Him, for only God understands the force of the enemy raging against us. Our best preparedness is seeking the Father through His word, speaking to Him in prayer, and allowing Him to be the Lord of our lives. In doing so, we will find the safety of His sanctuary and shelter from the storm.
Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.