Shelter in Place or Shelter in HIS place?

This year I have been reading through 1st and 2nd Samuel and studying the life of David. From a young age, I have learned about David and have aways wanted to be like him. His life is more unbelievable than any modern day reality show. David went from a humble shepherd to the king of Israel. He is described as a man after God’s own heart. He worshiped God and desired to follow Him. He also had some serious character flaws. He struggled through many trials and difficult circumstances. He had brothers who didn’t believe in him and he challenged and fought a giant. He was still a sinner. He committed adultery and even ordered a murder to try to cover up that sin. He failed to discipline his sons. But through all, David understood that he needed grace, repented often, and always turned back to the Lord.

One particular trial was David’s battle with his son Absalom. David loved Absalom, but his own son betrayed him and tried to murder him in order to take the kingdom. Absalom drove him from the throne and his home. This left David alone, away from the comforts he was accustomed to, fearing for his life, and not knowing when things would get back to normal. During the current “shelter in place” order, I am feeling a lot of the same feelings. Life is not comfortable, sometimes lonely; I don’t know when things will return to normal, and I even fear for my life. It was during this time, while in hiding, that David may have penned Psalm 61:

“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;  from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock  that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!”

The “shelter in place” ordered by the government is done for our safety and protection and we are called to submit to these authorities. Our home is supposed to be our refuge from the Corona virus. But as I stay at home, I understand that my protection, my comfort, and my trust are in God.  He is always my refuge and I take SHELTER in Him. David understood this and cried out to God for help. Every day is a constant battle to take my eyes off of myself and my selfishness, and look to the Rock that is higher than I. My encouragement to you is to shelter in place, but remember that God is our eternal Shelter!

Check out our new "Shelter" Zoe shirt!

30 comments

Leave a comment