Description:
Are you worried? Anxious? Just generally uneasy? It’s totally normal to feel fear. These are uncharted waters, unprecedented times. Our government has ordered us to shelter in place, but our Lord has called us to shelter in peace. In this message, pastor Cynthia Bryan shares how you can shelter in peace and stand in faith.
Shelter in Peace
How do we shelter in peace when the world seems to be falling apart around us?
God’s presence is the only safe shelter.
Psalm 91:1-4 ESV "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord: “My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his [feathers], and under his wings you will find refuge... " (Psalm 46:1-3, Psalm 61:3-4)
“Shelter” is a secret place, a hiding place, a covering.
Colossians 3:3 ESV For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
He’s inviting you into that place of peace. John 16:33, Matthew 11:28-30
It takes effort to abide in peace. (Hebrews 4:1, 11)
Resting in the shelter of God isn’t just relaxing at home. It requires obedience.
The enemy is attempting a hostile takeover of your mind. Don’t let the him capture your thoughts; take your own thoughts captive. (Phil 4:6-7)
How to shelter in peace
Address your fearful thoughts with the Word of God in prayer.
A prayer for peace and faith:
Lord, we choose to shelter in you, to abide in You. You are our refuge and our fortress, our God in whom we trust. You deliver us from the deadly pestilence, and you cover us with your wings. (Psalm 91:1-4). Search us, God, and know our hearts; test us and know our anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24) You are our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2) In You, even death is swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54). You are our refuge and strong tower. We find refuge in the shelter of Your wings (Psalm 61:3-4). Our hearts are steadfast, our hearts are steadfast. We will sing and make melody (Psalm 57:7). Because your steadfast love is better than life, our lips will praise you. (Psalm 63:3) For You, [Lord], have been our help, And in the shadow of Your wings we sing for joy. (Psalm 63:7). You alone are our rock and our salvation, our fortress; we shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:6). Lord, we are steadfast through the storm, because of your steadfast love. We put our trust in You. Lord, you are the God of hope. We ask you to fill us with all joy and peace in believing that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13) In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stand in Faith: Shelter is not a place to cower in fear; but to stand in faith.
How do you stand in faith?
Faith fuels the Kingdom of God; Fear fuels the Kingdom of darkness. The word of God on your lips is a powerful weapon against the enemy. The word of the enemy on your lips is friendly fire.
1. Stand Firm. Ephesians 6:10-13
2. Put on your armor. Ephesians 6:14-18
3. Use your sword. The sword of the Spirit is the word of God. Hebrews 4:12
Final thoughts:
In a battle one of the key things in the supply line is the rations, the food for the troops. Make sure you are well fed. Feed your spirit with the word of God. Feed yourself on truth, not on fear. We need you to take your place on the wall.