When the Winds Rise: Seasons, Storms, and God’s Shelter

Discover the peace and protection found in God’s shelter through Psalm 91—a refuge in the storms of life, both seen and unseen.

April began with a series of big storms rolling through my region of the country. Not one, but two large systems dropped thunderstorms and tornadoes that caused destruction and tragedy across the Mid-South. After the first round of storms, I sat on my back porch one morning, reflecting on the seasons, storms, and refuge.

It was around seven in the morning, the night after our family was huddled in our storm shelter in the middle of the night. The rest of my house is still quiet—the kids nestled in their beds after a long night of interrupted sleep. Thank goodness for YouTube and meteorologists who have dedicated their lives to keeping us up-to-date by the minute, telling us when it is time to take cover and when it is free to go back to bed. These nocturnal storms are the worst. Your imagination can run wild when you can’t see exactly what is coming.

As my daughter has gotten older, she has become increasingly scared of storms. Her little body was shaking next to mine as we studied the radar and listened to the men telling us what they thought was happening. It didn’t help that the alarm went off on my phone every two minutes loud enough to wake the whole neighborhood. Thank goodness for warnings, and also—phew. We practiced praying out loud, asking for protection, and mostly, we just cuddled in the closet, waiting for it to pass. As my daughter was learning real-time lessons on the impact of storms, my sweet son mistook it for bonus time to hang out and laugh.

Right around the beginning of March, I started my day by reading Psalm 91 out loud. Coming out of the winter season, I felt a deep need to return to our ultimate refuge in times of trouble. 

The Opening Promise: A Place of Rest

Psalm 91 begins with a profound declaration:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

Right from the beginning, the psalm establishes a condition: this peace and protection are for those who *dwell* in God’s presence. The word “dwell” implies more than a fleeting visit—to dwell is to abide, live in, and make our home with Him—this is where we find true rest, under the shadow of the Almighty.

God as Refuge and Fortress

“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:2)

My refuge and my fortress are places of defense and safety to run to in the face of a storm and a strong attack against enemy forces. These images are not just poetic; they’re deeply personal. The psalmist doesn’t just know about God—he knows Him as *my* refuge, *my* fortress. The promises of Psalm 91 are personal, built on a foundation of trust in the Lord.

Protection from Seen and Unseen Threats

One of the most remarkable aspects of this psalm is its comprehensive list of dangers from which God promises protection:

“Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.” (v.3) 

“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” (v.5)

These verses encompass physical and spiritual dangers—traps set by enemies, disease, nighttime fears, and daytime battles. In ancient times, people lived with constant threats from warfare, wild animals, and plagues. Today, while the specific threats may differ—job loss, anxiety, pandemics, violence—the promise remains: God is our shield.

What’s important to note is not that believers will never face hardship, but that even in the midst of trouble, God’s presence provides peace, deliverance, and ultimate safety. The psalm doesn’t suggest a life free from adversity—it assures us that those who cling to God will not be overcome by it.

Angelic Protection and Divine Presence

We are indeed living in times where we are not battling flesh and blood but principalities and powers:

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (v.11)

This verse speaks to God’s supernatural care. While we may not always be aware of it, His angels actively protect us. This comforts us when we face the unknown, reminding us that divine help surrounds us even when we cannot see it.

The Personal Voice of God

The final verses of Psalm 91 shift dramatically—from the voice of the psalmist to the voice of God Himself:

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” (v.14)

This divine declaration makes the promises of the psalm even more intimate and direct. God doesn’t merely offer protection—He provides relationship. The protection is rooted in love, in a heart that clings to God and acknowledges His name. The repetition of the word “I will” in verses 14-16—*“I will rescue,” “I will protect,” “I will answer,” “I will be with him,” “I will deliver,” “I will honor,” “I will satisfy,”*—underscores God’s active, faithful commitment to those who trust Him.

The storms of life will always come. But as people of living hope, we know where to seek the ultimate refuge.

In Your Life

What does it mean for you to take refuge in the Lord today?

We Recommend

This book, Experience Jesus Really : Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder through Everyday Encounters with God by John Eldridge, invites you to slow down and notice God’s nearness in your daily life—especially in the storms. It’s a helpful companion for anyone longing to experience God’s peace and presence more personally and consistently.

Let’s Connect

Julie is a wife, mother, writer, photographer, and golfer. To read more from Julie, she writes on Substack under the name Evergreen. She also posted regular photos and stories on Instagram.