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.
Forgiveness Matters
One of the most profound Biblical examples of forgiveness is found in a story Jesus told about a king who wanted to settle his debts. One man owed the king a lot of money that he couldn’t repay, but the king had mercy on him and forgave the debt.
Afterward, the forgiven man encountered someone who owed him a small debt. But instead of showing mercy and forgiveness, he sends the man to prison until the debt is repaid. When the king hears about this, he is outraged at the hypocrisy, and has the forgiven man arrested.
If we’re being honest with ourselves, we probably fit into this story somewhere. How often have we chosen not to forgive someone while happily receiving the forgiveness that God offers us?
We’ve all made mistakes. We’ve all rebelled against God. And all wrongdoing is contrary to God’s ways. Some sins have bigger consequences—but every mistake causes us to fall short of God’s perfection.
Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily erase the hurt caused, ...