“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” (Psalm 57:1)
Our emotions can overwhelm us like a fierce storm. David was often in danger of being overwhelmed. His prayer: “When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me …” (Ps. 61:2,3)
There are not only situations we face, but seasons we go through, that take an emotional toll on us. If we don’t find shelter at such times we will surely be overwhelmed by the storm without that produces turmoil within.
When David asks the Lord to be merciful to him he is simply asking his gracious God to help him. Who can stand against the power of strong emotions when they have been unleashed? When fear, anger, despair, or sorrow would want to swallow us up and drive us to ill-conceived actions what should we do? Find shelter!
Let the Holy Spirit lead you to the Rock that is higher than you and greater than your emotions. He is able to subdue all things to Himself. He can speak peace to the fiercest storm. He will show you how to think, and from there calmer feelings and wiser actions will proceed.
How long should you stay “sheltered in place?” Until you have found a better way to handle the world you face. Stay with Him long enough to learn of and from Him. He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, who can give you supernatural peace, strength and a wise way forward, even while you are still in the midst of the most distressing situation.
Jesus is Lord. No emotion should rule our life. Our greatest calamity is never the trouble that swirls around us. We are always more in danger from the untamed emotions of a heart that did not find Shelter in God.