SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM

“A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest, as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” – Isaiah 32:2

God in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ is our SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM: “A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest, as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (Isa.32:2). Isaiah wrote these words with reference to King Hezekiah, but a greater than Hezekiah is here! This passage prophetically applies to the risen Lord Christ Jesus (Isa. 9:6). He is our ultimate Source of Protection and Refreshment!

“A hiding place from the wind” and “cover from the tempest” speak of a place of shelter and security. Wind and tempest symbolise calamity and oppression; but the Lord is our Protector and Shelter from all calamities. The winds are indeed blowing and the storms raging, literally and spiritually, with disasters, famine, tornadoes, and earthquakes in diverse places. Deadly pestilences are raging across nations leaving agony, pain, and death in their paths. People of all classes, colours, and persuasions are becoming fearful and fainting (Lk.21:26-28). Praise God! The answers are found in His Word!

Winds of war are blowing. Social unrest and revolt is rising. Persecution of believers is growing. Perplexities and shakings of the nations are increasing in intensity. Storms of economic collapse are raging. The entire world’s economy is wobbling. Many nations are broke and in debt, weighted down by depression, massive unemployment, and hunger. Wild storms of social degeneration and decadence are gusting. Human depravity and extremities of sexual debauchery pervade our societies.  But none of these storms move me, as I take refuge in the Lord – my Shelter in the time of storms!  

“As rivers of water” is a figure of speech often used in Isaiah: “…For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water…” (Isa.35:6b-7a). God’s response to the thirst of the poor and needy is : “I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water” (Isa.41:18). These blessings would be as refreshing as gushing fountains and running streams are to a thirsty traveller or a weary pilgrim in a pathless desert.

“As the shadow of a great rock” depicts how in a burning desert of sand, the cooling shade of a rocky canopy provides f a refreshing coolness to a weary traveller. This world is “a weary land” – a land of labour, fatigue, and weariness. But Jesus Christ is alive and well, seated on His throne. He is our Shield from the winds and our Shelter from the storms. He invites all who are weary and heavy laden: “Come to Me, all you who labor are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt.11:28). He calls us to flee for refuge underneath His soothing shade: “casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you” (1Pet.5:7).

Together, let’s sing this evergreen hymn – A Shelter in the Time of Storm:

The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm; secure whatever ill betide, a Shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain: Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land; Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a Shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night, a shelter in the time of storm; no fears alarm, no foes affright, a Shelter in the time of storm. [Refrain]

The raging storms may round us beat, a shelter in the time of storm; we'll never leave our safe retreat, a Shelter in the time of storm. [Refrain]

Oh Rock divine, Oh Refuge dear, a shelter in the time of storm; be Thou our helper ever near, a Shelter in the time of storm. [Refrain]