We began the last session of the first day of “The Care of Souls” class and I noticed my students picking up their phones. A slow mutter moved throughout the room. After a few moments, one of my students looked at me and said, “We need to move to shelter now.”
While I gathered my computer and teaching notes, each student picked up their electronic devices, pens, and paper and together we walked down three flights of stairs into the bomb shelter of Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary (UBTS). Although not frenzied, an air of seriousness invaded the hall.
Upon entering the shelter, we went to a long conference table at the far end of the space, pulled a heavy curtain dangling from the ceiling to create a fabric “wall,” and continued the class session. Moving to shelter was familiar to these students; they made the transition with poise and confidence. From the “new” location, in shelter, we continued the class session.
Most of those who live in Ukraine carry a special app on their phones which brings announcements of air alert notifications. In addition to the sirens throughout the city, the automated phone advisory accompanied by a warning bell indicates disruption in the air space. I discovered that through their special app, my students received detailed information regarding the type of alert and the nature of its severity.
After a few hours we received notification that the air alert was over and we could leave the shelter. Whew – our first day together was both meaningful and sobering.
Shelter – A place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger. A shielded or safe condition; protection.
Last year when Gary and I visited UBTS, the told us that before the war, creating shelter in the basement of the seminary was not necessary, but now they have developed the space under the building to offer protection and safety from Russian missile attacks. They thank God for the place to shelter in the midst of air alerts.
As I reflect on that experience, God reminds me that He remains our ultimate shelter. God’s very presence is shelter.
Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Do I go to the shelter of God’s presence? When I feel confused, do I seek protection and safety in God? When life’s circumstances seem weighty and burdensome, do I find rest in the Almighty?
What about you?
What does it look like to dwell in the shelter of God? To shelter in God means to continually grow in awareness of His activity within one’s soul as well as in others. Sheltering in God requires remembering that we are never alone in Him and He offers Himself in the journey of life.
To shelter in God is a choice. How often do you and I seek safety and protection in ways outside of God? Perhaps in money, success, privilege, influence, appearance, relationships, etc.?
My students and I could have ignored the air alert and refused to seek shelter, yet that would not have been wise. We live in a world where bad things happen and where sicknesses lead to death. Strife in relationships exists and work can feel crushing. Financial struggles, lost jobs, home displacement, and identity crises often leave us floundering. Nevertheless, God offers His presence as shelter, so why do we refuse to shelter in Him?
God, forgive us for being prideful and relying upon ourselves to solve life’s issues. We want to dwell in the shelter of You. We seek you, O Lord. Thank you for never changing and being our place of safety and protection. Amen.
God proves His trustworthy nature throughout Scripture. His promises remain true and His character constant. We can dwell in Him and experience rest with the Almighty.
Go to the shelter of God. Release life’s anxieties to Him and find rest in His presence. Let God protect your soul and be the safe space you long for. You can trust Him. He is Faithful.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 27:5 – For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 61:4 – For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Dr. David Jeremiah. Shelter in God: Your Refuge in Times of Trouble. Nashville, TN. 2020.
Sheila Walsh. The Shelter of God’s Promises. Nashville, TN. 2011.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
NeedtoBreathe. Brother Let Me Be Your Shelter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61Wm_qlVD4Q
Pat Barrett. Shelter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG5Y6Dz5-sw
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
May 10 – Breathe Retreat – Littleton, CO