A quiet pause for those we lost — this devotional short offers a sacred moment to reflect, lament, and lift our eyes heavenward. Inspired by the Psalms and shaped by grief, SELAH for the TAKEN is a creative tribute to the young lives carried home too soon. Through visual storytelling and spoken lament, it invites viewers into a space of reverence, sorrow, and unshaken faith.
Created in response to the Camp Mystic tragedy along the Guadalupe River in Texas, this piece honors the memories of those affected while offering comfort to the brokenhearted. May it be a balm to those who mourn and a reminder that even in silence, God remains near.
The winds howl. The headlines scream. Homes are shattered, hearts are heavy, and the world trembles beneath a thousand storms—natural, emotional, spiritual. And in the middle of it all, an old hymn whispers with unwavering faith:
Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm.
This isn’t just poetic comfort—it’s spiritual survival. A Shelter in the Time of Storm, written in the late 1800s by Vernon Charlesworth, was born out of a world worn down by hardship. It became a lifeline sung by fishermen steering into stormy harbors, echoing through orphanages ministering to broken souls, and later reimagined by Ira Sankey to stir congregations across oceans. Its refrain is timeless—because the Rock it speaks of is eternal.
Storms will come. And when they do, it’s not doctrine or dogma that saves us—it’s Christ Himself. Scripture declares:
“The Lord has been our dwelling place in all generations… He is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.” (Psalm 90:1, 18:2)
But in the middle of the storm—when thunder drowns out reason and lightning blinds perspective—it’s difficult to fix your eyes on anything but the chaos. That’s why it’s vital to know the Rock before the storm hits. Calm seas are the classroom. Quiet days are the training ground. Every peaceful moment spent abiding in Him becomes a spiritual anchor when the winds rise.
When you know Jesus in the stillness, you recognize Him in the storm. He’s not just refuge; He’s recognition. Not just shelter; He’s strength. Not just security; He’s sovereign.
And as the world reels from wildfires, floods, wars, and heartache—this hymn becomes a holy declaration: we are not unmoored. The storm may be raging, but the Rock is not shaking. In Him, we find not just protection—but peace.
So today, as tempests swirl around us, let this truth settle deep into your spirit: Jesus is sure, sound, safe, and secure. He is your Shelter. He is your Storm-Calmer. He is your Rock—now and forever. This has been a View From the Nest, please like and share and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date when new posts are added. Thank you for stopping by.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. — Galatians 5:22–23
Ever opened a fresh box of crayons and just paused? The smell of wax. The vibrancy. Each one sharpened and ready—full of promise. That’s how the Holy Spirit works in us: coloring our lives with divine traits that reflect God’s heart.
Let’s color it in:
❤️ Love is Red – Bold. Foundational. The base coat of grace. 💛 Joy is Yellow – Bright. Uplifting. The sunshine that refuses to be dimmed. 💙 Peace is Blue – Calming. Steady. A cool current in chaotic waters. 💚 Patience is Green – Growing. Grounded. Gentle strength in every season. 💕 Kindness is Pink – Tender. Compassionate. Soft enough to heal wounds. 🧡 Goodness is Orange – Vibrant. Honest. A visible virtue. 💜 Faithfulness is Purple – Loyal. Regal. Not swayed by storms. 🌸 Gentleness is Lilac – Subtle. Strong. A whisper that moves mountains. 🖤 Self-control is Black – The outline. The boundary. The wisdom that holds everything in place.
Every day, the Spirit hands us the crayon box. The question isn’t “Are you gifted?” It’s “What fruit-color are you letting shine today?”
Even if you’re feeling broken, worn down, or only good for scribbles, God can still use you to create beauty—on someone’s heart, in someone’s storm, through someone’s doubt.
Stay tuned: this is just the first stroke of the canvas. Next up, we’ll dive into each Fruit of the Spirit—one color at a time—and see how God’s palette transforms our walk.
Make sure you sign up to receive all devotionals in this series:Coloring in the Fruits of the Spirit.
You must be logged in to post a comment.