Monday, March 23, 2020

Of Homes and Shelters

By: Joanne Viola


What a difference a week makes! We are all learning to cope with new limitations and strategies. Our “normal” activities have now become abnormal, while we adjust to our new normal.

As we wonder if life will return to normal any time soon, we are becoming used to hearing terms like “stay-at-home” and “shelter in place” more commonly used.

Home. It’s been defined as “the place in which one’s domestic affections are centered” (dictionary.com). 

During these unsettling times when we are forced to stay at home, may we realize that Christ has made our hearts His home. He has done this willingly and by His design.

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” (Ephesians 3:16-17, NLT)

Jesus, at home in each of our hearts, is the source of unlimited resources at a time when so many resources are being limited.

Shelter. This has been defined “as a place of refuge; a protection from storms and adverse conditions; a place of covering” (dictionary.com).

During these times which threaten to trouble our bodies, hearts, and minds, we can take refuge in the presence of our Lord.

“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” (Psalm 9:9-10, NLT)

As we make find our shelter in God alone,
He will make our heart His home.


Image by Bertsz from Pixabay
 

3 comments:

  1. "As we make find our shelter in God alone,
    He will make our heart His home."
    As I prepare to memorize Psalm 91, this is so applicable! We haven't been given an order yet to officially "shelter in place" in Alabama, but we are still trying to do it as much as we can.

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    Replies
    1. There's much wisdom in being pro-active. Massachusetts is under stay-at-home and it has become most stressful for so many. May we keep our eyes on our God who has never vacated His throne. May we all keep praying for one another.

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  2. Love this: "As we find our shelter in God alone, He will make our heart His home." I had not made the connection mentally between sheltering at home and our shelter in Christ, but what a beautiful parallel.

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