Seek the Shade immediately

"You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall" Isaiah 25:4 NIV

As the heat index climbed into the triple digits during the six-hour endurance run I had the pleasure of participating in Saturday, the spectators waiting at the start/finish line of the five-mile looped course where the aid station was located were looking to find shelter from the hot sun any way they could. Some people moved their lawn chairs into the shade while others sought refuge under canopies they had brought. Thankfully us runners didn't need to spend much time there though. We only needed to exit the tree-lined course that provided natural "shade from the heat" long enough to hydrate and refuel before happily heading back out to enjoy the cooler temps on the trail. 

And you know, while the intense heat certainly made it hard on those watching, the runners really didn't notice it very much. You see, because we were completely surrounded by mature trees whose branches spread over us like a canopy and had cool air coming off the Big Piney River that was so close we could hear the rapids, we were quite comfortable. And this is exactly the way it feels when you and I seek refuge in the Lord from the distresses of the world my friend. You see, like Isaiah, you and I will experience intense anxiety, sorrow, and pain in this life. It's just a fact. But when we do, we can run into a place of "refuge," a place where there is "shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat."

So if you're in a state of "distress" today, won't you take shelter in the only place you will ever find it? Won't you run into the arms of Jesus? I can personally promise that when you do, you will find the comfort and relief your spirit so desperately longs for.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are the Shade we are seeking and the only One who can provide shelter in the midst of any and every storm we will face in this life. Teach us to instinctively run into Your arms the moment the troubles of this life serve to turn up the heat Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Shelter - Carrolton