Last night I witnessed one of the most spectacular light shows I've ever seen. As I sat on my porch in awe, the sky flashed and flared like some heavenly strobe light. The torrents of rain came sheeting down so hard I could barely see past my porch.

At one point, the winds bellowed so fiercely, that they tore a Japanese Maple in my yard clean in two. It was one of the most awesome displays of God's power I've ever seen. Little did I know that, later that night, someone else was watching the storm from my yard.

            When I let my dog outside in the morning, I noticed the doors of my shed were open. As I walked around the yard, I saw that the gates had been opened, despite the chains that normally held them shut. Peering inside the shed, I saw a crumpled cigarette pack, and smelled the stench of freshly smoked tobacco.

Of course, I was a little concerned at first. I live in what I guess you would call "lower-middle class". We've got a decent house that we've lived in for five years, and I've never heard any reports of break-ins on our block, although I know it happens daily just blocks away. But when my wife told me that she heard the neighbor's dog barking for over a half hour, I realized that our visitor last night was no thief. It was just some person seeking shelter from the storm.

            As I drove to work this morning, I pondered that thought. Isn't that really what we all are doing every day? Aren't we all just searching for shelter from the torrents of our everyday lives? People seek shelter in many different ways. Some bury themselves in their work, scratching and clawing their way to achieve their ambitions, hoping that they will be satisfied. Others seek shelter in their possessions, acquiring bigger houses, newer cars, faster boats, hoping that their wealth will bring them happiness. Many seek shelter in alcohol or drugs, searching for an escape from the downpour of their struggles. Or perhaps they seek shelter in the arms of a lover, hoping that somehow that will fulfill so much more than just their physical desires.

            Well, let me share with you that I've tried finding shelter in all of those things. And every time, I was horribly disappointed. No job was fulfilling enough, no possessions worthy enough, no high was high enough, no sexual encounter was satisfying enough to bring me happiness. But I have finally found the shelter from the storm. It was revealed to me through the Word of God. I have received all the peace and joy I could have ever desired, through a personal relationship with the Son of God, Christ Jesus.

            Are you seeking shelter? Do life's struggles still drown you in sorrow? If so I'm telling you right now, it can be yours for the asking. For Jesus himself says to you "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 12:28-30 NIV) He alone can provide rest for your soul, He alone can reunite us with our Heavenly Father; "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6 NIV)

            All He asks is that you call on His name, ask Him to forgive your sins, and turn your life over to Him. "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9 NIV)