We won't find rest if we're living somewhere else. We won't know peace if we're trusting in ourselves, in our circumstances, or in our feelings.
We must reside and persist in the presence of our Savior. If we don’t, our lives will be plagued by fear and worry. Our situation will overwhelm us. We will be fear-driven instead of living in his shelter.
How do we do this with a God we can’t see or touch?
This is where it gets tough. This choice of life, this shelter-living doesn’t happen accidentally. It takes intentionality. It takes spending time with our Savior, poring over his words, sitting in his presence, quieting our hearts long enough to hear his voice, and seeking his way not ours.
It means falling on our knees in repentance, mourning our sin and refusing to make excuses for it. It’s surrendering our hearts, our choices, and our will to him. All of this is so contrary to the world around us, but this is how we live in the shelter. This is where we find rest. This is where protection is found. This is where we will find peace in the storm.
When we live in the shelter of our Abba Father, we no longer need to be afraid. Worry will become a thing of the past. Trust will be our daily companion. He alone will be our place of refuge and we will know a peace the world will never comprehend.
Father, when our hearts are weary and troubled, help us to look to you. Give us the determination and discipline to choose to live in your shelter, to find comfort in your wings. Thank you that you give us rest. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Consider this: Are you living in God's shelter? If not, ask yourself what is preventing you from surrendering your heart to him.