Our Shelter in the Storm

By Craig Dunning, missions professor at Baptist Bible College, Springfield, MO

Read Proverbs 18.

“In these uncertain times,” or some variation of that phrase, is common in today’s world. The nightly news opens with alarming headlines of terrorism, viruses, unemployment, and uncertainty in almost every area of life. All of this “news” creates uncertainty and sometimes despair. What are we to do? How should we respond? 

The common temptation for many of us during a crisis is to look to ourselves and calculate our ability to survive. Click To Tweet

In Proverbs 18:10-11, Solomon contrasts the wise and foolish paths of getting through difficult seasons. The wise path: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” The foolish path: “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem.” Unfortunately, rather than run to the Lord, the common temptation for many of us during a crisis is to look to ourselves and calculate our ability to survive. However, as a result of COVID-19, millions of people quickly learned how uncertain our resources, whether that be a good job or a healthy bank account, can be. During these uncertain times, may the Lord give each of us wisdom to seek Him as our place of safety. 

Reflective Questions: 

1. Internal examination: When uncertain times come your way, is prayer or a quick financial survey, your first response? 
2. External examination: During a crisis, do others typically see you turn to the Lord for security or to your own resources? 
3. What or whom do you typically trust as a high wall of security in difficult times? 

Memory Verse:

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for being my strong tower where I can run to for safety. Help me today to seek you above all else.

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