Psalm 61:1-8

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.”

During this unique time, many across our nation have received orders to shelter in place—to stay in their places of residence to prevent the spread of this pandemic. Whether or not you have received such an order, may I encourage you to find shelter in the Lord? Stay anchored in His promises and make your home a sacred place in which you can personally walk with Him and teach your children to do the same. I remember learning Psalm 61 as a child, singing it with a little tune. That song has a little more meaning to it now as an adult. Consider the following thoughts:

  • Be Thankful—The psalmist said, “For thou hast been a shelter for me.” Notice the past tense there. Remember all of His blessings. During a time of fear, people often forget about all the good that God has done for and through them. Furthermore, they take for granted the luxuries they normally enjoy. (I am so thankful for my family, my pastor, pastor’s wife, and the people of North Valley Baptist Church). God has brought His children through trials and tribulations in the past. He will do the same today!
  • Pray More—This psalm is a prayer to the Lord. I personally have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time. With loads of laundry and two little girls to tend to, it can be challenging to find a good time to pray and read my Bible. Sadly, I fail so often, but I have to remember that I cannot do anything without the Lord’s touch. During a time when we have to stay confined within the walls of our houses, may we all sit still and talk to the Lord. We have more to pray about than ever before, and it is something we can do that can move the heart of God. Now would be the best time to walk with Him more, see His Word come alive, and let the Holy Spirit work in our hearts.
  • Trust Him—You may be overwhelmed right now with the unknown future, but have faith that the Lord knows what He is doing. He is like a high tower—He sees the enemy; He sees what we do not see; and He has everything under control. (By the way, it is better that we do not see everything God sees. People get all worked up about what they can see, and I am positive we could not handle any more than that! I am glad God gives us only as much as we can handle, and He takes care of the rest!)  He has tomorrow already planned out for you; just trust in His perfect will.
  • Praise Him—The last verse says to “sing praise to thy name for ever.” Let God know what a wonderful Savior He is, and make that a priority for your family as well. Children need not be worried or sense your worry. They ought to have a joyful spirit because they see one in you! Sing songs together as a family. Talk about His blessings. Let this be a special time in which your family can grow more in love with each other and with the Lord. And do not stop praising Him when the storm has passed. Praise Him forever, for He is worthy of it.

Years from now, these days will all be a memory. So, let it be a sweet one. Take time to focus on what is most important now, and find shelter for you and your family in the Lord!

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Hannah Joy Reimers, North Valley Publications

Having attended North Valley since the age of three, Joy was saved and brought up in this ministry. She graduated from NVBS, married Andrew Reimers in 2014, graduated from GSBC, and joined our staff full-time as an administrative assistant for the church and North Valley Publications.