Isaiah 25:4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat…
A sailor out at sea will look for a cove or a port when a squall comes on suddenly. A hiker will seek out a cave or fallen tree when a storm hits without warning. People in the city will look for air conditioned spaces in the oppressive heat of summer. Most creatures have been designed with a safety-seeking mechanism inside so that when danger is imminent, we look for a safe place to be.
But there is something that often short circuits that mechanism. It’s called pride and will often prevent someone from seeking shelter when it’s necessary. Some do this in a real, physical sense and call it “braving the elements” or something. Others just call that foolish. More often, pride short circuits us in emotional and spiritual matters. When danger comes in a relationship, rather than seeking shelter in God, in the love of Jesus and His forgiveness, we retreat inside and look for the answers in ourselves. That’s pride. We can do it. We can brave the elements in the storms of life. We don’t need shelter, strongholds or shades. The results can be devastating to marriages, to families, to workplaces and to ourselves.
When the going gets tough, the tough run to Jesus. God is a shelter, protector, shade and stronghold, a mighty fortress. Pride keeps us from going to him for help and safety. Isaiah the prophet later says that God subdues the noise…as heat by the shade of a cloud. What relief a cloud can bring in the heat of the day! What relief the Lord our God can bring in the midst of struggle. What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Run to Jesus, to the Lord our God for safety, shelter and sanctuary.
Heavenly Father, the mighty fortress, to You we run in our most desperate hour. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, amen.
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