A Good Word

A Good Word

To what or whom do you turn for shelter when the storms of life come howling in the form of tragedy, illness, disappointment, and death? 

It was the most important day of my life. Though it was over 60 years ago, I still remember it vividly. My father was away on a business trip, so my mother decided to spend a few days with my aunt and uncle on their farm. My brother and I were sleeping in an upstairs bedroom in their old farmhouse when suddenly there was a lightning flash across the sky followed by a deafening blast of thunder that shook the walls. The wind howled like a ghost, the rain beat against the roof and the window, and one lightning bolt after another lit the darkness as the thunder roared louder and louder. In panic, I ran to my mother's room down the hallway, seeking shelter from my fear. She was awake, and I threw myself into her arms, yelling, "I'm afraid I'm going to die." She calmly explained that we need to take shelter in the Lord when we are afraid. She said we need not fear anything, even death, if Jesus is our Savior. After she prayed for God's protection, she explained the gospel to me., and I placed my faith in Jesus as my Savior from sin that night, as the storm raged outside.    To what or whom do you turn for shelter when the storms of life come howling in the form of tragedy, illness, disappointment, and death?     David turned to the only sure source of protection that exists in this fallen, dangerous world—–the Lord. In Psalm 18:30 David, recalling how the Lord had protected him from all his enemies, declares: "He is a shield to all who take shelter in him" (NET). The Hebrew word translated "take shelter" is hasah (pronounced khah-sah). It refers to seeking protection from danger. It is used 36 times in the Old Testament, most often in the Psalms (25 times), where the Lord is always the source of protection. Four times He is compared to a mother bird who shelters her little ones with her wings. In Psalm 57:1, David, while hiding from Saul in a cave, prays: "For Iin you, I have taken shelter. In the shadow of your wings I take shelter until trouble passes" (NET).     While this word has the basic meaning "to take shelter," there is much more to it than meets the eye. Where we turn when trouble comes speaks volumes about where our allegiance lies. Taking shelter in the Lord involves more than seeking protection. By seeking shelter in Him, we demonstrate our trust in His promise that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:39). It also demonstrates our loyalty to Him as the One who can and will keep His assuring promises to us. We see this in several psalms. In Psalm 5:11 David, addressing the Lord, equates those who take shelter in the Lord with "those who love your name" (NIV), an expression referring to loyalty. In Psalm 31:19 "those who fear" (NIV) the Lord are one and the same as those who take shelter in Him. In Psalm 16 David's declaration, "I have taken shelter in you" (v. 1b, NET), is followed immediately by an affirmation of loyalty: "You are the Lord, my only source of well-being" (v. 2, NET).     Taking shelter in the Lord also serves as a basis for David's request for protection. Psalm 16:1 in its entirety reads: "Protect me, O God, for I have taken shelter in you" (NET). In Psalm 25:20 he prays: "Protect me and deliver me! Please do not let me be humiliated, for I have taken shelter in you" (NET, see also Psalms 37:40; 57:1). As he asks for protection, David appeals to the fact that he has taken shelter in the Lord. This shows that it is the significance of taking shelter as a demonstration of loyalty, not the simple act, that is primary.    So, in light of what we see in these psalms, we must all ask in times of trouble: In whom will I seek shelter? Where does my loyalty lie?    by Robert B. Chisholm, ThD Although Dr. Chisholm enjoys teaching the full breadth of Old Testament Studies, he takes special delight in the books of Judges, Samuel, Isaiah, and Amos. Dr. Chisholm has published seven books, with commentaries on Isaiah and 1–2 Samuel forthcoming. He was a translation consultant for the International Children's Bible and for The Everyday Bible and is the senior Old Testament editor for the NET Bible.    Dallas Theological Seminary, 3909 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75204, 800-387-9673

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