Shelter in Place.

It's a phrase the whole world is now familiar with as we live in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. And more than that, most of the world is practicing it.

Social Distancing. Quarantine. Regardless of what you call it, it involves staying home!

Our homes have become our shelter. They are safe places where the tiny virus has difficulty invading unless we bring it in from the outside. We are responsible for the upkeep of these dwelling places as many of us live 24/7 within their walls. Our front yards have become our playgrounds and unlikely venues have become our enemy.

As the world starts to open back up over the next few weeks and months, we must be wise about our exposure to others and continue to rely on our shelter to keep us safe.

Our little houses are our current shelters in this time of trouble. How fitting that many times in Scripture God calls Himself our shelter. Our stronghold. What a beautiful comparison and example he has given us in these three little words.

Shelter in Place.

How can our time at home remind us of our true Shelter and Stonghold? Let's look at these passages from Scripture and take encouragement from them.

You can turn to Him in your distress as you shelter in place.

This is certainly a time of distress and need for many. Not only are we concerned about our health and those that we love during a worldwide pandemic, but we are watching the economic turmoil around us and sometimes things seem overwhelming.

I personally have discovered that if I watch the news too frequently, I can spiral into fear and distress.

Isaiah 25:4 says:
For you have been a stronghold to the poor,
a stronghold to the needy in his distress,
a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.

The storms will continue to rage. We know we will continue to have trouble. But we can also be assured that our great big God is more than capable of providing shelter in the storm.

He will protect you.

Here's the thing about the protection offered by God… it's more than what we consider! We ask for protection against COVID-19, against failed relationships and against financial ruin.

And YES… we serve a God who will protect us against these things.

But there is so much more to his protection. See, even if you fall to the coronavirus, are betrayed by a loved one or find yourself struggling to pay the bills, if you are trusting in the work of Christ on the Cross, you are still protected!

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
Psalm 61:3

You have been promised life everlasting because of what was done for you at Calvary. Nothing these short years on Earth can throw at you will change that. Pray for deliverance in the here and now, but rest in the assurance of your eternal protection.

You still have responsibilities as you shelter.

Just like you have to continue to wash your dishes, your clothes and your countertops… you have the privilege and responsibility of caring for your soul.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8

This time in history is certainly unique because of this pandemic. But it has one thing in common with many other moments in history and in your life… it has the ability to divide us.

There are people who believe everything under the sun about this pandemic and we as Christians have a unique opportunity to show an onlooking world what unity looks like.

I caution you, dear sister, be careful what you fill your mind with.

Full disclosure: I've written about this recently, but I have recently fallen victim to Social Media comparison. I became a little bitter and it was not good for my soul! If posts on Facebook or Instagram are discouraging you, DON'T LOOK. Just remove the apps from your phone and every time you are tempted to scroll, open your Bible app instead.

Avoid becoming demonstrably negative about decisions made by our government unless they are opposed to the Word of God (even when it's super tempting). Believe it or not, you may not have all the facts. *insert shocked face here*

And even more so, as churches make difficult decisions about how they will safely re-open their doors, don't judge! Again, our leaders are doing the best they can. They are human. Pray for them!

Remember your hope and run to it daily.

Let's get practical for a minute. How do we run to God as our shelter?

You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
Psalm 119:114

Hide under his wings. Allow Him to be your shield. Pray without ceasing.

And read your Bible.

Your hope is in Him and His Word. I challenge you to read and write Scripture daily as you shelter in place and beyond.

Below is a list of several verses that would be great to read, write and memorize. You can also download a little free printable you can use as a visual reminder.

Bible Journaling is simply the act of worshiping through creative methods… allow God to speak to you through His Word as you journal and create today.

Verses to ponder:

Grab your printable doors!

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Have a blessed day,

Jen