A Shelter Through the Storm
If you’ve ever experienced a strong storm or natural disaster, you know the importance of a safety shelter to protect you. Whenever there is a threat, we need something stronger than that threat to shield us.
This is also true in our daily lives. We are susceptible to attacks from our spiritual enemy and from other dangers in life. Sometimes we need to be rescued from our thoughts and habits. Other times we need someone to help us heal from something that we can’t handle by ourselves.
Scripture refers to God as our refuge and shelter. As children of God, we can rest in His strength and power, knowing that He is able to keep us safe from any situation we may experience.
Because God created us, He truly knows what’s best for us. He knows how to protect our souls and keep us from danger.
However, this requires that we go to Him when we need help. We cannot rest in His presence if we do not spend time in His presence. He is a refuge to those who actively trust Him and seek His help. Regardless of what difficulty you’re experiencing, God is able to help you through it.
The best way to seek God’s help is through prayer. Spend some time talking with God, telling Him exactly how you feel. Ask Him for the things you need. As you seek His presence and trust in Him, He will protect you and keep you safe.
Hope for the Poor in Spirit
Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-cultural blessings—commonly known as the beatitudes.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3 ESV
To be physically poor is to lack resources or material possessions. The word "poor" might trigger a mental image of someone who can’t pay their bills, can’t break free from the cycle of poverty, or can’t afford food, clothing, or shelter.
So what does it mean to be spiritually poor, and why does Jesus think that’s a good thing?
Those who realize their own spiritual poverty know that, without God, they are spiritually bankrupt. Those who are poor in spirit understand the desperation of their situation—that they can have nothing, do nothing, and be nothing without Him. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that it’s humility, not pride or self-reliance, that’s a ...