Most of us first learned about “sheltering in place” during the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the death toll spiked, health officials advised people to stay inside their homes and avoid contact with others as much as possible. They hoped this would help to protect us and keep the disease from spreading.
Then my Maine community suffered the terror of a mass shooting. For twenty-four hours, while the killer was still at large, officials ordered us to remain behind locked doors. But none of us felt safe until the authorities apprehended the perpetrator and gave us the “all clear” call.
Sheltering in place doesn’t guarantee protection against viruses or violence. But there’s good news: The Bible offers no-fail advice about what to do in times of trouble. The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Verses like this one in Proverbs have convinced me to put my confidence in a person rather than a place.
The example of Bible characters like David also underlines the efficacy of hiding in God. David said God will keep us from all harm and watch over our coming and going (Psalm 121).
Jesus was given the name Immanuel, “God with us,” for a reason. He is an ever-present help, the only one with total power over unforeseen circumstances, danger, and overwhelming odds.
The next time you face a crisis, take hold of the reality of the Lord’s unfailing strength. Run to Him as you would to an impregnable tower and find safety in His almighty arms.
Deborah Meroff served as a missionary writer and photographer for thirty years. While based in London, she was privileged to visit 115 countries and publish scores of articles and a dozen books in various languages. She now resides in Maine, USA.