For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm ...

Isaiah 25:4

The island was large, the lake much larger. Even when the forecast is good, squalls can happen. That was the scene one sunny day. We were caught in one of those unexpected squalls, donned our life jackets, offered up some ragged prayers, and hoped we wouldn’t be smashed against the rocks. There it was, a large group of rocks with trees, perhaps shelter, a mini-island of sorts, precariously close to the main island. My father was steering, but Jesus was the pilot as we made our way to the leeward side of this chunk of granite and pine. My mother said it all when she named it “Savior Island.”

In life’s unexpected squalls — health concerns, relationships, economics, or a “Why-did-I-do-that?” moment, we need to trust God to maneuver us to the safety of his protective arms.

Elise Koenemann
New Haven, IN

Lord, thank you for the safety and protection of your loving and caring arms. Amen.

Reflect: How did the Lord protect you today?

Read: Psalm 23 and John 6:16-21