Recently, my husband, Patrick and I took our two youngest children on a weekend camping trip. Upon arriving at the park we spent some time looking for that perfect camp site…you know the one…closest to the bathrooms. Bingo! Site secured. It took awhile to agree on which spot of ground was the flattest, but finally the tent was standing and the stakes were driven into the ground. The rest of the day was filled with swimming, hiking, cribbage, hamburgers cooked over the camp fire, and a good book. As the evening closed in, I pulled out the blankets and the “handy dandy” inflatable air mattress. Things were looking good until the motor on the air pump went out. Bye, Bye “handy dandy” air mattress. Hello painfully hard ground. With our heads lying at the elevated end of the tent, least a headache arise, Patrick and I quietly prayed that our chiropractor would be in the office on Monday. The kids played “musical sleeping bags” and “name the creepy noise” for a few minutes before sleep became a real possibility. Then the camp grounds came alive! We found ourselves smack in the middle of camp party central! The festivities continued into the wee hours of the morning, leaving our family painfully exhausted…literally. Thankfully the early morning wake up horn from the campers a few tents down also brought with it rain clouds and the perfect excuse to collapse the tent, stuff everything in the mini-van, and head for home at a swift pace. I admit I giggled a bit as we drove away and the first large raindrops fell on some late sleepers. As usual, I learned a couple of hard lessons on this trip…be careful where you set up camp and be prepared for rain!

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to find a place of peace and tranquility, the storms of life surround us and the rain comes down. Just like the motor on that air pump and the airless mattress we become burnt out and deflated, wondering where to go for rest and shelter. Sometimes, I just need the simple reminder that I can always have confidence in God’s protection. David prayed this prayer in Psalm 61:1-4
V1 Hear my cry, O God
V2 From the end of the earth I call to Thee, when
my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher
than I.
V3 For Thou hast been a refuge for me , A tower of
strength against the enemy.
V4 Let me dwell in Thy tent forever; Let me take refuge
in the shelter of Thy wings.

Let this be our hearts cry! Take comfort. You are not alone. The One who breathed the stars into the universe loves you and will never leave you. Cling to His promises with all your might when the wind blows and He will preserve you. He is our stronghold…let us not be shaken. We worship the Almighty One who calmed the winds saying, “Be still!”

Now the question is: Where are you setting up camp today?