Some “through the bible” thoughts from Joel 3.
The Lord roars from Zion,
and utters his voice from Jerusalem,
and the heavens and the earth quake.
But the Lord is a refuge to his people,
a stronghold to the people of Israel. (Joel 3:16)
In the 1950s and 60s, people built bomb shelters to survive radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons. In the midwest, people have storm cellars on their property to escape approaching tornados. Otherwise, go to an inner, windowless room in your house. Radio announcers urge listeners to “seek shelter now” when severe thunderstorms pop up on weather radar. When approaching hurricanes are a day or two away, shelters open where those who will get hit hardest along the coast can be safe.
We tend to think of a refuge or a stronghold as a place. But in the bible, it’s God. Ironically, in Joel, God is the one who roars, shaking the heavens and the earth, bringing judgment on the nations. And he is also the shelter from the approaching destruction and judgment.
Storms don’t always look like weather. Judgment doesn’t always come in the form of an earthquake or other “act of God.” Sometimes it’s a collision, cancer, or conflict. It could be failure at work or the loss of a job. Kids get in trouble and unexpected expenses pop up. You can run, but you can’t hide from the surprises of life.
The only thing that doesn’t change is God. That’s why he is the shelter, the refuge, the stronghold. Ultimately, with him, your life is safe.
Waite for it... 