Our eyes locked as he rounded the corner of a back room and hastened toward us. This mountainous charcoal-black dog with pointy ears stood as tall as my, above average, 8-year old commanding all the attention in the room. With each bark, the pictures on the wall seemed to shake. His large nose must have smelled the fear permeating from both my daughter and me.
Within a split second, his attention flew from me and landed upon my daughter, who happened to be standing 2 feet in front of me. With a racing heart, I immediately went into mama bear protection mode as I grabbed my cub, firmly locked my arms around her, spun in between the two turning my back to the dog, and began to crouch over my whimpering child.
The only exit door stood to my left, separated by a wall. Cornered and trembling, the only thing I could do was pray and reassure my petrified daughter, “It’s okay! It’s okay!”
What seemingly played like a three-hour slow motion movie, realistically happened in less than a minute. In the film of life, the unforeseen tend to play out much slower. Here, we receive abnormal test result, relationships dissolve, job pressures weigh us down, and turmoil with loved ones surface. Invading thoughts of fear and anxiety creep in, paralyzing us. Neutralizing us.
Just as I stepped in to protect my child in need of help, our God steps in as our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He, who stepped in between us and the bite of death, flung His arms firmly around a cross, turned His back on his own life, and crouched over us in surrender to death.
There’s only one requirement: you must allow Him. My daughter allowed me to step in between her and the imminent danger. She didn’t fight it, run out of my arms, or say, “I’ve got this, Mom.” She knew the arms tightly wrapped around her were a shelter of protection, something she was powerless to do.
In the slow motion of your life, what monstrous “dog” has you frantically looking for an exit route?
Let these 15 comforting Bible verses for finding shelter in God remind you that He is your Rock of refuge, Peace of protection, Shelter in the storm, Sovereign security, and Hiding place of Hope. (Be sure to also check out this post with more than 60 of the best Psalms for encouragement)
- The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
- For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless Is like a rain storm against a wall. Isaiah 25:4
- God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
- The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10
- I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:2
- Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. Psalm 71:3
- My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge, and my savior—from violent people you save me. 2 Samuel 22:3
- Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 16:1
- As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30
- Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8
- But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16
- He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4
- It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9
- Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5
- The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7
In the midst of life’s struggles, can He be your ever-present, unending, unyielding, enduring, constant, abiding help? He’s standing behind you, arms wide open. Spend some time meditating on these encouraging Bible verses finding shelter in God. They make great Bible verses to memorize.
Father, thank you. Thank you that, while we were helpless, you stepped in to take our place. You provide a shield of protection and help in our time of need. Give us a grateful heart posture, open to receive the loving arms wound around us. In Jesus name, Amen!
As we approach Easter, share the Good news with those in your life. The Rock of Ages, our King, stepped down from His throne to a hill He created and poured out His love for every precious child. The same powerful voice that called forth all time and creation declared, “It is finished.” Death was arrested, and life was released. Halleluah, it is finished!!!
For more bible verses on finding shelter in God, be sure to check out the multitude of Scripture Card options in the shop.
Oh, Esther, these are such powerful words and scriptures. “The one thing we must do is allow Him to step in”…isn’t that the most difficult part, and it’s the part I’ve struggled with too many times. God is always calling us to trust and let Him be our Father. You have no idea how this encouraged me so specifically!
Crystal, hands-down the hardest thing to do is allowing Him to step in! I think of how obedient Abraham was when asked to sacrifice his son and wonder how on earth I struggle with the “minor” things I’m asked to surrender. I’m so glad it encouraged you, friend!!
hello!
Thanks for sharing your faith with others.
There is a typo on this page- Psalm 91:4 is the correct reference for “cover you with feathers.”
Joyfully
Candace
I pray you are well!
Thank you, Candace! I totally missed that one!
Thanks for this message.
Its so inspiring and encouraging. I am preparing to give a message with the topic: In His arms in my Church. This should help