When the waves of life begin to overwhelm you, what do you do? When the gusting winds of circumstance threaten to blow you off your chosen course, what do you do? When the blizzard effect of situations and disappointments begin to freeze your very destiny, what do you do?
The only possible answer to these questions is that you run for shelter. You run into the safety and the comfort of the only one who is able to protect you, preserve your life, and develop your destiny for good.
"I have learned to kiss the waves that slams me into the Rock of Ages." —Charles Spurgeon
Storms are an inevitable part of life this side of heaven's shores; no one is immune to a Category 5 hurricane as we try to carve out an abundant life while living in our earthly bodies. However, even storms can be an incredible and strengthening experience as we learn how to throw off panic and to determinedly choose to prevail.
When a storm is brewing on the horizon of your life, take some time to pray, to worship and to read the Word. Rather than post your pain on Facebook and complain about your lack of resources, focus on the only One who is able to protect, defend and preserve.
"But may all those who seek refuge in You rejoice; may they ever shout for joy, because You defend them; may those who love Your name be joyful in you" (Ps. 5:11).
I have learned that singing in the rain is perhaps the best response of all to a downpour of disappointment events. When you worship the Lord in spite of the storm and in the middle of the monsoon, a shelter is created that although it cannot be seen with the natural eye, provides a lovely place of warmth and protection.
When a cyclone of trauma starts to bully your psyche and a twister of rejection begins to menace your safety, in that moment, take a deep breath, open up your Bible and ingest the Words on the sacred page of Scripture.
"There shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and from rain" (Isa. 4:6).
It is impossible to eliminate storms from one's life but what is possible is to run for shelter! What is beneficial is to find a place of protection. What is profitable is to find a refuge until the storm passes by.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty" (Ps. 91:1).
As you and I wait together in the impenetrable shelter of His presence and as we long for the storm to pass by, we will discover an uncommon strength that has never before been part of our inner man. We will be sustained, we will be empowered and we will be propelled. His shelter is not just a hiding place from storms; if that is all it is, it would be enough— it would be more than enough. But I can assure you that the protection of His presence is a place where an inner work is accomplished in each one of our lives. We become more like Him in the middle of the storm; we inherit riches that we never knew were ours. We are changed into people of destiny and valor. While the storm is wreaking havoc and unleashing destruction outside of the storm shelter, you and I are being fed with glorious sustenance. The storm has now become our finest hour as His work is completed in our lives. 
Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written eight books, including The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, Defiant Joy!, Holy Estrogen!, No More Ordinary, Refined, Joy For All Seasons, Let There Be Joy! and Pass the Joy, Please! which releases on February 1, 2018.Her teaching DVD, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol's "Jolt of Joy" program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol or inquire about her speaking to your group at justjoyministries.com.
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