Shelter

A Shelter from the Wind

So I've listened to this song about six times today. 

Jars of Clay, "Shelter."

It speaks volumes to me of where I'm at and where I hope I'm heading. The first verse speaks to me of where I've been.

To all who are looking down,

holding onto hearts still wounding

For those who've yet to find it,

the places near where love is moving

Cast off the robes you're wearing,

set aside the names that you've been given

May this place of rest

in the fold of your journey

bind you to hope,

you will never walk alone

A Refuge from the Storm

So many times we are told that God is our refuge and strength; the source of our rest and our perfect shelter. Often I dream of resting quietly under His great wings, as a chick nestles under the wings of its mother on a cold spring morning. I have found Him to be a great comfort to me. This is the first step...knowing that He loves me beyond all measure...that I am His greatest delight and treasure...not that I'm better, but just that I'm the only me!

But this song calls to a deeper longing in my heart...here is the chorus:

In the shelter of each other,

we will live, we will live

In the shelter of each other,

we will live, we will live

Your arms are all around us

Streams of Water in the Desert

Isaiah 32:2 says:

"Each man will be

like a shelter from the wind

and a refuge from the storm,

like streams of water in the desert

and the shadow of a

great rock in a thirsty land."

This verse has been my companion for the past several weeks. I came across it in my quiet time one day, and every time I'm with a friend I realize I am their shelter. I am their drink of living water. I am their shadow in a dry and parched land.

Here's the second verse of the song:

If our hearts have turned to stone,

there is hope,

we know the rocks will cry out

And the tears aren't ours alone,

let them fall into the hands that hold us

Come away from where you're hiding,

set side the lies that you've been living

May this place of rest

in the fold of your journey

bind you to hope

that we will never walk alone

We must all believe, 

our lives are not our own, we all belong

God has given us each other,

and we will never walk alone

A Great Rock in a Thirsty Land

At a time when I am moving away from some of my dearest friends, this gives me such a feeling of safety. I will be physically separated from them, but these words are still truth. In moments when I feel all alone, I will only need to take a minute to close my eyes and picture their face, their arms, and their strong voices saying, "You can do it. You will make new friends. You will succeed. You will prosper. I believe in you."

I guess you could say that I'm feeling the shelter of those who love me, and it really does give me wings to fly.

Just a note, the entire album (The Shelter) is amazing, and in Dan's words,

"It's just a record that celebrates what it means to try to love people well."

The Album Cover