Within the past couple of days, Ocala begin to feel the outer bands of Tropical Storm Eta. You know it’s been an active hurricane season when we run out of names and start using the Greek alphabet! Winds and steady rains will be with us most of the week, depending on the storm’s track. We will be sheltering even more in place. It is nice to feel some cooler temperatures. Here in Florida, it is usually the hot sun that we shelter from, with our wide-brimmed hats, SPF-5,000 sunscreen, and parasols. It’s why anyone who has lived here for any length of time avoids the theme parks in July! We give thanks for the big clouds, summer breezes, and a “teaser” or two of fall.

True relief and shelter come from trusting in our refuge and strength, Jesus Christ our Savior. When this world turns up the heat on the burners of our life, we turn to His cooling, comforting Spirit. All our enemies – especially sin and death – are defeated on the cross. Like a breath of fresh air, like the sheltering leaves of a shade tree, we are relieved and forgiven. We find strength in this hot and bothered world. When we let go of our sense of self-sufficiency, we can find rest in the shadow of His almighty love.

Next time you get burned, seek the shelter of Jesus and his unconditional love for you.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest; in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)

Pastor Art