give me shelter
"For over all, His glory will be shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain." —Isaiah 4:6
The weather's getting colder. Storms are on the horizon. Environmentally, spiritually, emotionally the weather's bad. This Advent-time of Christmas preparation is for some of you a time of battle against evil spirits of depression and self-pity. You feel heavily burdened and under extreme pressure. You wonder just how much more you can take.
Nonetheless, do not fear. Jesus is coming. He understands. He was born in a stable with a manger for a crib. He fled to Egypt to escape Herod's massacre. He entered a world of cold apathy and demonic violence. He knows what you're going through. He will cover you from the storm and rain. He'll be your hiding place, your shelter, your Egypt. All Jesus need do is just give an order and you'll get better (Mt 8:8). His blood and His love can cover a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8).
Christmas began when the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary (Lk 1:35). Let the Lord overshadow, shelter, and cover you. Jesus lifts the deadening atmosphere of depression and replaces it with the warmth and glow of His love.
Prayer: Jesus, may the weather change and may I change to prepare for Your Christmas coming.
Promise: "Many will come from the east and the west and will find a place at the banquet in the kingdom of God." —Mt 8:11
Praise: Julie drives an elderly neighbor to church each Sunday and invites her to dinner on holidays.
Reference: (Be a Bible teacher. For encouragement, order our tapes on the Bible Teachers Series. Our six-tape audio series starts with AV 117-1. Our three-part video series starts with V-117.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2013
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