“Trust God always, pour out your hearts to Him, for He is our refuge." ~ Psalm 62:8
Imagine falling into the middle of Lake Michigan in
November wearing a full-length alpine parka. Unless rescued immediately, you
might not survive the frigid water and extra weight.
Now, imagine a delicate
monarch butterfly searching for nectar in a meadow on a humid July afternoon.
Unexpectedly, a fast-moving thunderstorm brings damaging winds, large raindrops,
and damaging hail, which presents a severe risk of their demise.
Additionally, overcast
skies limit their ability to gather the solar radiation needed to fly. Butterflies
can’t fly when temperatures are under 55 degrees, which is why monarch
butterflies migrate to southern locations in the winter and others hibernate
until warmer weather.
Knocked from the air by raindrops, butterflies face the dual threat of crashing with broken wings and an inability to warm their body enough
to take flight.
Butterflies’ wings,
while extremely delicate, boast a natural armor of micro-bumps and a wax layer
that scatters and minimizes the damage caused by rain. But, when the skies
darken, its primary defense favors sheltering to ride out the storm.
Their feet have
remarkable grip strength. They cling to the undersides of leaves or inanimate
objects like hanging baskets. Tall grasses, rock crevices, hollow trees, caves,
and other nocturnal homes also make suitable shelters.
There they ride out
the storm by huddling with folded wings until sunlight returns; another of
Mother Nature’s brilliant lessons.
Constant battering
during the storms in our lives can damage or destroy us, too. A wide range of
emotions can leave us soaking in the rain: bitter, angry, confused, vulnerable,
hopeless. If you can relate, you might even feel guilty for having them. Life’s
turbulent times may cause us to run toward God, but they can cause us to withdraw
from Him just as easily.
Like butterflies, we have
two choices: get drenched in the rain or seek shelter. We must find ways to
rest during our storms, even when rest feels impossible. We need the type of
rest that simply lets us relax and feel our emotions. We need rest that
rejuvenates us, rest that allows us to let go for just a while. We need the
kind of rest only He can consistently provide.
So, lean in and rest
in His shelter. Tell Him in prayer how you feel and leave your emotions with
Him. As you do, you'll start to feel His nearness, His promise, and His
comfort. He loves you and will consistently and constantly be your shelter from
all storms.
Lord, hear my prayer; my heart is faint. When
there‘s chaos all around me, I know I can depend on You to remain beside me.
Thank You for Your loving presence and for sheltering me in every storm. Amen
