Lord, you have been a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm. Isaiah 25:4 NIV 

While we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:11

Our world is certainly full of distress, among those in need, those in the midst of war, and earthquakes and fires. Then there are the storms with high winds, hail and rain.  Remembering  this past summer, there also is excessive heat as our planet heats up. We see violence all around us from guns in schools to students finding bullets on their bus. Often we are fearful of what is happening, and certainly can be in distress as there seems little we can do about the situation.

The first few verses of the 25th chapter of Isaiah are written in praise of the God who has saved Israel. The passage celebrates divine faithfulness in soaring, lofty words, maybe a bit too lofty for everyday reality, an exaggeration to show the writer’s point. This is a Lord who has shown Israel’s enemies His great power and faithful protection of His people. He goes on to extol a God who is a refuge for all, shelter from storms, and is there to provide us shade from the heat.

For us, we too can depend on this faithful God. As one commentary says: “There may be fears within as well as fightings without; yet we are not destroyed.” (Matthew Henry ). The God who sent His son as our savior has demonstrated His faithfulness to all people, everywhere. We are all God’s people, and He is there for each and every one of us.

Dear Lord of all, we are grateful that you have always been a place of refuge for us in our daily lives. You are omnipotent, God, yet you delicately care for each of us, even in the small moments of our fragile lives. Remind us today that you believe in us. Help us to see you at our side as we face adversity, as we go along our spiritual pathway and experience true life. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party