Brenda Nail DeLauder Columnist

  The first good Fall rain finally came, starting as a fine mist, gradually changing to a steady flow of water lasting throughout the night. The dawn found us in a cloud, with the soft rain continuing well into the day. Personally I’m glad for rainy days and even the darkness, which can be gloomy at times, because when the sun does come out again its beauty is fresh and new. While I much prefer soft rains, the storms have their moments too. Often near the end of a tremendous storm, sunshine starts peeking out around the thunderheads. The rays of sunlight grow bolder, shining across the fields even before the rain is done, making the sky rich in colorful rainbows.

  The different seasons, with the weather of each one, are much like our relationship with God. On days like this one, we weather the storms using raincoats and umbrellas to protect us. With prayer and leaning on Christ, our faith provides us shields of protection to weather any storm sent our way.

  In the Daily Text I use each morning, there are Bible verses. It’s funny how sometimes the verses of the day are the exact words of encouragement I need. When a particular verse speaks directly to me, I will fold the page corner down so I can refer back to it. On a recent journey through a briar patch on life’s path, where the devil seemed to be throwing thorns the size of daggers, I felt the need to “be still and call upon the Lord.” When I was finally able to ignore the thorns tearing at my flesh, I was able to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. This morning as I reached for the Daily Text, I noticed various pages throughout this year, where the corners had been turned down. As I flipped back through the previous months, I began to smile.

  On April 4, Philippians 4:7 said “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Then on June 20, Psalm 30:5 told of “His anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” The perfect verse I needed arrived on September 22, coming from Ephesians, 6:10, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power.” Then September 30 offered two wonderful reminders; Psalm 40:11, “Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever.” Finally in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, “The Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” Even back in April, I was given tools I would need for the task at hand now. God knew and He provided just what I needed, when I needed it.

  Granted there are times when the storm rages on, making it hard to hold on and wait out the tempest, but when we do so, it is always worth the wait.

  Sometimes we need to take   shelter from the swirling world around us, and when we take refuge in God, we are held safely in our Father’s arms. There’s an old hymn called “Never Alone” and the second verse I like best. “The world’s fierce winds are blowing, temptations are sharp and keen; I feel a peace in knowing my Saviour stands between; He stands to shield me from danger, when earthly friends are gone, He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.” And because He never leaves us, we can offer a resounding AMEN!

  The author of “Never Alone” is sadly anonymous.