| “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2 (ESV) We were standing in the children’s section of the bookstore when the sirens went off. I paused, looking around for answers from the other unsuspecting customers. None of us seemed to know what was going on. There was no sign of a storm when I entered the store with my little one several minutes earlier. But the beautiful, cloudless summer day didn’t tell the full story about what was to come. A startling voice came over the loudspeaker, announcing that a tornado warning had been issued, and we were to take shelter immediately. Taking my little one out of the stroller, I held him in my arms as we sat leaning against the towering shelves of books, waiting for the storm to pass. But before it did, all of the customers were told to leave the building. A bit stunned by the swift evacuation, we all found ourselves outside with an even greater awareness of the rapidly changing weather. Some simply stood there, staring at the approaching storm, while others scattered in all directions to escape it. We made it home safely in the midst of the sirens and increasingly darkening sky, and all I could do was thank God for His presence and protection. So much happened so quickly — from the loud, unexpected sounds of the alarms, to the realization we were in the path of the impending storm, to the sudden loss of perceived shelter. In that moment, my dependence upon God, my need for His presence and the value of hiding His Word in my heart were ever so clear. In that moment, I prayed, asking God to continue to keep us safe and thanking Him for doing that already. In that moment, I chose not to rehearse that shaky voice who spoke to us over the loudspeaker and, instead, listen closely to the One who promised never to leave or forsake us. Oftentimes, when life is coming at us quickly, we can become overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. When we only use our natural senses to experience what’s taking place while we’re in the midst of troubling situations, we miss the opportunity to rely solely on God and trust all He has promised us. We’re reminded in Colossians 3:2 to “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” So, friend, be aware of — but not distracted by — the storms you’re experiencing. They don’t change God’s presence, power, protection or provision. He is indeed with you, showing you which way to go and offering you shelter in the midst of the storm. Dear Lord, when there is chaos all around me, I know I can depend on You to remain right there with me. Thank You for Your loving presence and for sheltering me in every storm. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. TRUTH FOR TODAY: Psalm 61:3-4, “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah.” (ESV) Psalm 32:7, “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.” (ESV) RELATED RESOURCES: The holidays are crazy, but your Bible study doesn’t have to be. Cultivate worship in the chaos of Christmas with this exclusive, limited edition Write the Word: Cultivate Worship Journal from Cultivate What Matters and our Online Bible Studies team. This study will help you cultivate a heart of worship as you celebrate the coming of Christ. Grab a copy of this beautiful journal here!  CONNECT: Want to connect with today’s devotion author, Tracie Braylock? Give her a follow on Instagram to be encouraged by her inspiring posts! REFLECT AND RESPOND: What storm do you need God to shelter you from right now? Consider inviting Him into your situation and allowing Him to cover you. And share how we can be praying for you in the comments! © 2020 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 Ministries
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