Shelter from the Storm

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea… The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. – Psalm 46:1-2,11 (NRSV) 

I’ve always been indoors too much to take comfort in the God of refuge. 

Until Orkney. On day one of my pilgrimage across those nearly treeless northern Scottish islands, my host commented, “At least the weather won’t be too bad for you.” 

“A little windy,” I countered. 

“It’s always windy.” 

And it was. For 6 days. Incessant noise. A constant barrage, as I fought my way forward, step by step. 

On day six, the ferry dropped me on the tiny island of Egilsay to walk the last few miles. I’d already covered 12 that morning through tall, wet grass along windswept cliffs. Now, I had 3 hours to make it to the other shore and back before my boat returned. 

It took me 45 minutes. 

I arrived at the landing wet, wind-burned, and chilled through. Exhausted not so much by the exertion as by the exposure. I wondered how I would make it another two hours. 

And then I saw it: a tiny building. A 10’x10’ room. Two benches, a payphone, and a rickety little wall-heater. A refuge. 

I closed the door, took off my wet boots, cranked that heat as high as it would go. And I gave thanks for the God who gives shelter in the storm. 

Prayer
God, these are days of incessant noise. A constant barrage. Give us warmth. Give us rest. Give us strength to go back out and move forward, step by step.

About the Author
Vince Amlin is co-pastor of Bethany UCC, Chicago, and co-planter of Gilead Church Chicago, forming now.