Finding Refuge in the Storm
As I sit in my desert oasis, a mobile home in southern California, I’m reminded of the Psalmist’s words: “I would flee far away and stay in the desert; Selah. I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” (Psalm 55:7-8) The howling wind outside mirrors the turmoil that can rage within us.
The Illusion of Control
We often feel safest when we’re in control of our lives and surroundings. But life has a way of disrupting our sense of security. As the storm raged on outside, we wondered what possessions might be lost to the wind. Even in the safety of our shelter, the experience was humbling.
The Morning After
As the sun rose, it revealed a thick haze of sand still swirling in the air. The usually visible mountains were obscured from view, and our connection to the outside world – our satellite dish – had been knocked over. I began preparing breakfast, only to find a thin layer of sand had invaded our home, coating every surface.
The Sin That Creeps In
This experience reminded me of the sin that can seep into our lives, no matter how hard we try to guard against it. We can do all the right things – read the Bible, pray, attend church, and more – but our humanity leaves us vulnerable to sin’s influence. It’s a sobering reminder of why Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary for our reconciliation with God.
The Ultimate Cleaner
Jesus is our salvation, our “big vacuum cleaner” who has taken away the grit and grime of our sin. He has cleaned house, bearing our sins so that God can see us as His beloved children. Without Jesus, God couldn’t enter our lives, couldn’t sit with us, or walk among us.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Father God, I thank you for Jesus, who has cleaned out all the corners of my life, making me acceptable to Your Holiness. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who guides me daily on my spiritual journey. Thank you for Your promises, recorded in the Bible, which remind me of Your love and presence in my life. We love and worship You, Almighty God, forevermore. Amen.
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