Years ago, I sat in a little mountain cabin when I became aware that it was growing dark outside. The wind picked up bending the trees double as it roared along the ridge like a jet plane terribly off course. Tree branches snapped under the strain, sounding as though some phantom hunter with a shotgun was recklessly opening fire. When I looked out the window, I saw a grey curtain sweeping across the little valley, and I knew the rain was coming. It did! Within moments, the cabin was under a deluge that could be likened to perpendicular white-water rapids.
As the storm unleashed in all its fury outside the cabin, inside I was snuggled under a blanket, curled up in an easy chair beside a crackling fire, with a cup of hot coffee in my hand and an open Bible on my lap. And I thanked God for a safe, dry, comfortable refuge from the storm.
Then I thought of the storms that raged in my life. And I quietly bowed my head, and thanked God again for His refuge from the storms…
- Name the storms that are raging in your life, your family, your church, your community, our nation and our world.
- In each of the following passages, give the word or phrase that describes our refuge from the storm of danger: Psalm 27:1-3, 5; 46:1-11; Romans 8:31-39. How does each phrase encourage you, and how could you use it to encourage someone else?
- Describe the danger to God’s people in 2 Kings 6:8-23. What phrase in this passage encourages you when you feel surrounded by the enemy? Relate it to Psalm 34:7; 1 John 4:4.
- What is God’s promise to us when we are facing danger? Isaiah 43:1-2
- Describe how God’s people experienced the refuge of His help in danger: Moses in Exodus 14:5-14, 21-31; David in 1 Samuel 17:34-37, 41-50; Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 14-22; three Hebrew slaves in Daniel 3:1-27; Daniel in Daniel 6:1-28; Peter in Acts 12:1-11.
- How have you experienced God’s help in past danger? Who do you know who is fearful that you can share your experience with? Do it!
If we are entering into a time of national or global war, unrest, and further confusion, division and chaos, would you recommit yourself to trusting the Prince of Peace to be your refuge and strength? “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Spring 2025 Newsletter.
