By Pastor Don Schatz
Refuge
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud Link
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by.”
Psalm 57:1 New Revised Standard Version
“Who you gonna call?” Ghost Busters? It’s a way to go. But they are movie characters. Who are you gonna call for real? 
For real help? For real rescue? For real hope? For real relief from despair? For real arms embracing you? For real safety? For real refuge? You can add to the list, I’m sure. Because you are a real person, in the real world, experiencing real life, and sometimes having real struggles.
Who you gonna call? When there are destroying storms? We have a REAL GOD. He’s not make believe. He’s very rarely in a Hollywood movie plot. Even then, his presence is comedic at best, if not just whimsical. “Touch me,” Jesus said to his disciples after his resurrection. “I have flesh and bones and blood. I AM REAL.” I hope Jesus is real to you. He is eternally real for you.
I am reminded of Jesus’ teaching about building a house. When the storm comes, it matters what foundation one has laid. A foundation of sand? See ya. Even Ghost Busters couldn’t help. Nor any unreal super hero. A house well-founded on stone can withstand the storm. Even today, the first element of “earthquake proofing” a house is to attach it with substantial metal straps to the foundation. Before the storms hit.
That’s why it is important that we do not wait until the storms hit and bash us about before we build our spiritual house on the rock. The Rock that is Jesus. Do it now. Do it today, through worship, Bible Study, devotion, and fellowship with God’s people. Even if you haven’t, and the storm is roiling about you, you can call the Lord. Practice his presence. Call on him. Talk to him. Find refuge in him for your soul. The storm will pass by.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
