WHEN THE STORMS OF LIFE ARE RAGING, WHERE DO YOU FIND SHELTER?

SCRIPTURE:
“Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, 
heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord,
what do I look for? My hope is in you.”
(Palm 39:6-7)

MEDITATION:
If we need a solution to a problem, all we have to do is ask others.
We can get all kinds of advice, because all people have an opinion.
The problem we have with receiving advice is, who should we listen to?
More than likely we will gravitate to someone who has had the same problem,
or someone who is considered to be an expert in the area of the problem.

If we choose someone who has had the same problem, 
should we trust their advice if they have had only one similar experience?
Or, should we only trust those who have had the same problem multiple times?
What about listening to so-called experts?
How do we determine if they are really an expert and we can trust their advice?

Life throws us many curves that can be shocking, disappointing, depressing, 
anger arousing, frustrating, unfair, saddening, uplifting, or impact us in any 
number of other ways.
As a result, it is important for us to find a dependable source for advice.

The scriptures tell us that the psalmist found that trustworthy advisor.
Whenever he faced any problems, he looked to the Lord.
He also knew in Whom to place his trust, not only for problems 
while living out his life, but also for the issue of where he will spend eternity.
Whenever the storms were raging, the psalmist knew where to find peace.

Why doesn’t everyone place their trust in the Lord?
The psalmist explains it very well 
even though his words were written centuries ago.
He tells us that because people have the wrong focus, 
they do not have time to spend with the Lord.
They have allowed the things of the world (such as chasing wealth) 
to come between them and the Lord.
As a result they fail to get to really know the Lord on a personal basis.

Whenever we know very little about the Lord, it makes it difficult 
for us to understand Him, to know that He can communicate with us, 
and to confidently trust Him to provide us with guidance, direction 
and instructions for handling whatever comes our way.
Too many miss out on the opportunity for peace, 
because they are looking for relief in all the wrong places.

ACTION:
When you have issues or concerns, where do you receive your advice?
Have you allowed the world to blur your focus and attention on the Lord?
Would you say your relationship with the Lord is intimate (closely acquainted; 
familiar; personal) or casual (relaxed and unconcerned; not regular or permanent)?
How much time do you try to spend with Him each day?
What prevents you from spending more time with Him?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, like the psalmist, I want to have a close relationship 
with you. Whenever I am surprised or troubled about things of this life, 
I want to go to You first for guidance and peace. Forgive me if I have 
allowed other things to come between You and me. Help me to make a 
conscious effort to spend more time with You daily. Like the psalmist, 
I want a close relationship with You so that You are my hope as well.”