I’ve noticed that the older we get the more we watch the weather. The local TV stations lead off with the weather each evening. In fact, a sizable portion of time is spent telling us what the weather has been like and predicting what it might do. When the conditions are good & unchanging, we seem to go along about our merry way. But when conditions are changing that’s when we pay attention.

It’s a warm, humid, and heavy afternoon and the wind is coming from a different direction. It’s the eeriness you feel in the pit of your stomach…something is coming. And sure enough, you go inside, flip on the TV and James Bryant is showing a weather map with a moving storm. Then he says those important words, “If you live in this area, it is time for you to go to your safe place, NOW!”

Years ago, as the County Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Services I set up “Weather Warn” training sessions for how to prepare and identify tornadoes. It’s a fact, storms are a reality. We need to be prepared and know what to do when they come, because they are coming. You don’t need to flip on the TV to know, something is coming. Question… have you consulted your instruction book on what to do when the storm comes? The only source of all truth is God’s Word. Only God’s Word is the Unchanging Truth. God’s Word is your safe place.

For the last few years, we have watched storm clouds develop. These are not weather clouds, but spiritual storm clouds. These spiritual winds are coming from a different direction, telling us what was good is now bad and what was bad is now good. In fact, Isaiah 5:20 speaks to this… “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” The masters of division have used these “truths” to divide & pit people against each other, resulting in broken relationships and increasing violence. Jesus warned us about them in Matthew 7:15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) First, there is ONLY ONE Safe Place… in God Almighty’s Arms! “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9) Jesus told us, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock (The Name of Jesus) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18) Wherever you are, you can find shelter in the Name of Jesus.

Years ago, when the nation of Israel was certain to be destroyed, King Jehoshaphat stood before God and his people and prayed, “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) Are you there now? Know that Jesus made us a promise. A Promise He signed with His blood on the cross. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)

If you would like to have His Peace, His Safe Place, His Victory, then follow the instructions found in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

If you are not attending a Bible teaching church, find one and get enrolled in an in-depth Bible study that teaches from the Word of God. It’s time to stop watching the storm clouds and put our eyes on the only authority, Our Creator & Sustainer Holy God. As James Bryant says, “If you live in this area, it is time for you to go to your safe place, NOW!”