Seems like people have lots of needs these past few weeks. Especially cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, (oops, did I really say toilet paper?) and a need to “Stay at home . . . shelter in place.”

So, in the midst of this unprecedented time of needing to “Shelter in Place” to keep this highly contagious virus from spreading, I need shelter, I need a safe place. Where is my safe place?

Cleansing wipes and hand sanitizers and toilet paper may meet some of my daily needs, but they don’t answer the question “What do I really NEED? Where is my safe place? Where does my help come from?” They have no impact on what is at the heart of the matter: Worry, fear, anxiety, stress, sleepless nights, lack of peace.

The Psalmist saw it this way: “Whoever 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

The Psalmist continues to speak words of assurance about the protection that God gives, using words like “Shelter, and shield, and deliver, and rescue, and satisfy.” At this time of global pandemic (COVID 19), this Psalm speaks about God’s power, presence, intentions, and protection against fear. Described as a covering for His people, God’s comfort is a wing of security as we deal with this world’s uncertainties and suffering.

Paul, writing to the church of Philippi from prison, gives a very simple answer to that question: Where is my safe place? In whom do I need to take shelter? He too answers by pointing to that same person the Psalmist pointed to hundreds of years before: “And MY God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV).

MY GOD

ALL YOUR NEEDS

IN CHRIST JESUS.

Let’s keep our focus where is needs to be not only during this season called LENT, but every season of life! “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen!” (Philippians 4:20)