January 8
A Shelter
in the Storm
“The Lord is a place of safety for those who have been treated badly. He keeps them safe in times of trouble.”
Psalm 9:9 (NIrV)
Rachel sat on the edge of her bed, clutching her phone tightly. She had just read the latest cruel message from her coworkers’ group chat, one she wasn’t supposed to see but somehow had been added to by accident. The comments stung: mocking her ideas, her accent, even the way she dressed.
She had moved to this city six months ago, excited to start her first job after college. But the joy she once felt had been replaced by dread every morning as she walked into the office. Rachel had always been resilient, but this relentless treatment wore her down. “Why, Lord?” she whispered into the quiet room. “Why am I going through this?”
The next evening, Rachel joined her aunt at a midweek church service. She almost stayed home, too exhausted and embarrassed to face people, but her aunt’s gentle encouragement got her through the door. As the pastor spoke, he read from Psalm 9:9: “The Lord is a place of safety for those who have been treated badly. He keeps them safe in times of trouble.”
Rachel’s heart caught on the words. They felt like a lifeline thrown into her stormy sea of emotions. The pastor explained how God doesn’t always remove the storms in our lives, but He becomes our refuge—a place to run to when the world feels cruel and overwhelming.
That night, Rachel poured out her heart in prayer. “Lord, I feel so alone. Please be my shelter. Help me see myself as You see me, not through the eyes of those who hurt me.”
The next day at work, something shifted. Rachel decided she wouldn’t let her coworkers’ words define her. During her lunch break, she reached out to HR to address the bullying. Though it was difficult, she felt a surprising strength as she spoke up. She also began finding comfort in short prayers throughout her day, asking God for guidance and peace.
Over time, things began to change. Her workplace became less hostile as her concerns were addressed. More importantly, Rachel discovered a new confidence—not rooted in people’s opinions but in God’s unwavering love for her. She realized that in her most difficult moments, God had been her safe place, drawing her closer to His heart.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being our shelter when life feels overwhelming.
Like Rachel, we sometimes face hurtful situations that make us feel alone and unworthy.
But You remind us that You are always near, offering safety and comfort.
Help us to trust in Your presence, even in the midst of our struggles.
Give us courage to face challenges and remind us of our worth in You.
Thank You for being our refuge and strength.
Amen.
