My weather app says our local temperature will hit 100 degrees today. This comes after a long stretch without rain and several consecutive days in the upper nineties.
Did I mention? Exactly one week ago our air-conditioning unit quit.
Holy 100 degrees. Jesus, come quickly. I’m home with three pre-teen children in a house that feels like a sauna. Moods are heating up, not the least of which is mine. We’re a hot mess.
For the last several days we have lived without oven, stove, and lights, doing whatever we can to keep from increasing the inside temperature, even if it means eating and working in the semi-dark. Blinds and curtains are pulled over all the windows, and fans are running on high in every room. When the heat becomes unbearable, we flee to the basement, which is a whole three degrees cooler.
I might die.
Also? I’m considering sleeping in the unfinished crawl space with all the critters.
In the midst of all my first-world whining, however, I’ve developed a fresh awareness of and compassion for those who live without my many modern-day comforts. Far too many of our brothers and sisters live without air-conditioning in summer and heat in winter, let alone a home to call their own. As hot as I am inside my house, a quick walk to the mailbox reminds me that at least I have an “inside” to retreat to. If I were to spend more than fifteen minutes without shade, I’d end up dehydrated, blistered, and burned.
Even a too-hot house still provides shelter from the sun.
I may sweat through every item of clothing I own over the next week, but I will not die. And eventually a new AC will be installed.
I have far more than I need. I am rich, and I know it.
My wealth extends far beyond my material possessions and everyday comforts, but too often I forget — especially when life gets hard and the intensity of daily living starts to rise. When my health declines and my children melt down, when my responsibilities outweigh my rest, and when my relationships feel cold. And, worst of all, when the many unknowns about my future make me sweat with worry and fear.
I forget I have a covering, a shelter of shade even in the middle of scorching heat:
God’s Presence.
I may sweat, but I will not burn.
Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
Isaiah 4:5-6 (NIV)
God is our shelter, our shade in the heat and covering in the storm. But did you notice? Nowhere are we promised we’ll escape the heat and rain. God’s presence with us doesn’t mean He’ll spare us every inconvenience and struggle, every pain and discomfort. Instead, His nearness means we have somewhere to retreat and rest and hide, even when the worst of life comes.
We need nearness even more than deliverance.
I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately studying God’s presence throughout the Bible. The reason is simple: when life gets hard, when the struggle of every day life increases, I don’t always “feel” God with me. And when the feelings fade, I start to doubt He’s with me, and I fear He’s left me.
But I’m (slowly) learning a very important lesson:
The presence of pain doesn’t mean the absence of God.
Like a mountain that cannot be moved, God’s presence is steadfast. This means you and I have a twenty-four-seven haven when things heat up. We may weep over what we’ve lost, struggle through our impossibilities. But — and this is important — we won’t be alone in it. God is with us, always. And that means you and I can either set our focus on the temperature gauge or learn to lean into the One who offers His shade.
By the way, I just checked the weather. Turns out it’s going to be even hotter tomorrow, likely to break every record in Denver’s history.
But tomorrow is too far away to make worry worth the effort. Today has enough to handle. And besides, God’s presence is my shelter, His glory is my canopy. In spite of the heat, I’ll be okay. He is with me. Whether I’m a hot sweaty mess or not.
You too, friend. You, too.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
This summer, the truth that keeps singing its way through my brain comes from Psalm 46:
“The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Your words today remind me that God does not sit on the sidelines while we experience pain or loss, and, like you, I have a lot to learn about trusting Him in the middle of an uncomfortable story.
Sunday blessings to you!
Michele Cushatt says
Oh Michele, that verse was the subject of the sermon at church last night! How perfect to hear it from you again today. I needed that. The pastor told us that “Lord of Hosts” (or “Lord of Armies”) speaks to God’s incomparable POWER. All things are in his hand! But “The God of Jacob” speaks to his personal nature … He is OUR God. He knows us by name, sees each one of us individually! The combination of those two aspects of God’s nature makes His presence with us even more incredible than we could dare imagine. Praying you experience His nearness with you in a beautiful way!
Anne says
Just what I needed .. a refreshing word for this hot mess of a season I’m in (and I can soooo relate to the heat as we are record highs here In upstate NY also)
Thank you for your beautiful colorful words!
Isn’t our Pappa so very good to us!❤️
Michele Cushatt says
Yes, He IS. xo
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Michele,
“The presence of pain does not mean the absence of God.” Trying to hold onto this as I’ve spent two days flat on my back due to chronic back pain. I’ve learned to tolerate a lot of physical pain and mental pain, but I still desperately need God. I need His nearness. I need His lap to climb into. I need His Son to hold me like the tiny helpless lamb and hold me close to His heart. I realize, that when I can’t be active and “GO” anywhere, I am forced to just BE in God’s presence and let that be enough. He loves me/you whether we’re actively about His work, or whether we are just too darned tired and hurting to move. What an awesome Abba-Daddy we have! Thanks for the much needed reminder!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Michele Cushatt says
Oh, Bev, I’m so very sorry. Back pain is excruciating! It is difficult to separate ourselves and sense of value from our activity … been there, wrestled with that. Jesus, heal our friend with your touch and your Presence.
janine says
Dear Bev,
You are always such an encourager and such a persevering sister in Christ. I am so sorry for your back injury that is so excruciating. I will pray for special relief for you…and especially that Christ would “rejoice over you with singing, quiet you with His Love and rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3;17) – that He will whisper to your heart “this is my beloved Bev in whom I am well pleased”. Prayers for gentle recovery and Love in abundance. HUG from Toronto
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Janine,
Thank you so much for praying one of my favorite verses over me…I can really use this right now. Thank you for your balm of encouragement and love – so greatly appreciated!!
Bev xo
Beth Williams says
Bev,
So sorry for the pain you’re enduring sweet sister. Praying for healing & a sense of nearness of God in your life. May you feel His loving arms wrapped around you.
P.S. How did the MRIs go? What’s the diagnosis on your feet? I pray God heals you soon!
Blessings 🙂
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Hi Beth,
The injury to my back was kind of like the ‘pile driver” effect pushing down on it. I have several bulging discs, lots of arthritis and bone spurs that have been “awakened” by the injury. Fortunately no cord compression or pinched nerves, but it’s going to take a long time with physical therapy to get back to feeling good again. Foot has some angry and inflamed joints so I have an NSAID gel that I rub on it to keep it from squawking. It’s all getting a bit old so your prayers for healing are GREATLY appreciated!! And patience in the meantime….
Thanks so much for inquiring sweet friend,
Bev xo
Sandy says
Great word of reminder to me this morning! Love the Isaiah verses. Thank you!
Becky says
I needed this today. I am walking through a very painful season. At times, I think I may die and sometimes I wish I could. I am learning to hold onto God and hope he is holding onto me.
Michele Cushatt says
I’ve been in that place before, Becky, and some days it feels as if I’m all alone in it. The weight of it is too much. I’m with you, friend. You are not alone. God IS holding on to you; He hasn’t left you, even when it feels otherwise. I will pray for you today that He shows himself to you in a tender way. He loves you more than you know.
Becky Keife says
Oh Becky, I’m praying for you now, that in a tangible way God would make you aware of His grip on you that never lets go. We’re so glad that you are here. xx
Charlene says
Way back when…I used to watch “Hill Street Blues”, a show about a police dept. in NY. In one episode, the temps were sweltering to over 100 degrees, and the elderly mother of one of the policemen called him just as he was booking a perp. Her windows were nailed shut and the apartment was burning up with the heat. The electricity had gone off. As the officer was talking to his Mom, the perp said to tell her to fill the tub with cold water and sit in it. I thought that was such a good idea that I’ve remembered it all these years. But you’re right, there are many others who must bear high temps with no AC at all. So I thank the Father for our AC in the house and in the car! It is He Who gave the man the idea of air conditioning, praise His Name forever!
Tricia says
Twenty eight years ago, I was pregnant with my first child, temperatures were cooling, only 112 degrees that day, in Pasadena , California. All I could be think about all day, going to get a Slurpee after my child birth class that night. At the end of class, I’m thinking okay, just pick up this mat and we can go get a Slurpee, I bend over…..and my water breaks! Needs to say, I never got my Slurpee that night or next day. But a wonderful baby boy! When I hear people complain about the heat. I just remind myself and others the best is yet to come. It may not be what we expect or want but in my case my son sure was better than a Slurpee. What a great reminder, To know God is with us!
Brenda Hoffman says
DEAR Michele,
While you Michele & the other responders(commenters) encourage one another plus us, all the ‘readers’, I thought this following idea may be of help to some: Keeping the inexpensive former cowboy bandanas(or small scarves) wet with cold water around the neck helped me tremendously before we had air conditioning. They need to be sporadically ‘refreshed'(when then dry out &/or the coolness has diminished) with cold water in order to continue to be a refreshing to us.
May God bless you’all for blessing me & so many others as you continue to encourage us “In the LORD!” & His Word…
Gratefully & Appreciatively,
Brenda
Bridget A. Thomas says
What a beautiful reminder! Thank you so much for sharing! <3
Pearl Allard says
“The presence of pain doesn’t mean the absence of God.” Michele, I appreciate this so much. Thank you. And may His nearness be a comfort until He sees fit (please let it be soon, Jesus) to cool the temperatures.
Becky says
Thank you so much Michele! This post really blessed my heart. “The presence of pain does not mean the absence of God.” Ugh! So good.
Thank you for sharing your life with me and us. My hot mess days appreciate it. 😉
Dorica says
Thank you Michele for sharing. “The presence of pain does not mean the absence of God”
We are blessed in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe Africa, in terms of temperatures. So far we have never had extremes of heat, or cold. We have our share of problems and lack most modern day comforts but we appreciate the goodness of God in our circumstances. Your sharing has made me aware of my complaining in other areas of my life that I should focus on knowing that God is always with us.
Michele Cushatt says
I’m so glad you’re here, Dorica. What a gift that we can be connected across the world by the internet and our shared love of Jesus! Like you, I pray I learn to focus more and more on God’s presence with us, regardless of circumstances. With you, Sister.
Lynn Koukal says
The Lord once reminded me, it’s not paradise here, don’t expect it
Lynn Koukal says
Praising still works better than grumbling and complaining
Lynn Koukal says
And feels a whole lot better too. Praise be to God who causes us to triumph in, with, and through jesus
Christie Dennis says
Thank you for sharing and being so real. It even made me laugh! So much truth and I appreciate you. Blessings to you and a new A/C very soon!
Becky Keife says
Michele! I left you a long and heartfelt comment last night and then our Internet went out and it didn’t post. Bleh. I don’t have it in me to recreate the whole thing, but just know how deeply touched I am by this post and your encouragement! “I may sweat but I will not burn.” Yes! Need this. God’s presence is the richest gift we have. May I live more like it. xx
Michele Cushatt says
Much love for you, sister. xo
Beth Williams says
Michele,
God never promised we would be trial/pain free. He did say “take heart for I have overcome this world.” Most in this world feel they must “have it all”. Heaven forbid they don’t have cell phone, computer, nice car, cable TV, etc. They don’t know how to function without those items. Yet in many parts of this world-people are happy just to have a little hut or the barest necessities. They are also willing to share what little they have with others. They don’t cry about not having the latest gadgets. It can feel like God isn’t around. God is near the brokenhearted. Just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we won’t get burned if thrown into the fiery furnace of trials. He is with us helping us go through those trials.
Blessings 🙂
Adele says
What joy knowing that God is our shelter. No matter what. No matter where. No matter the weather, either. May his nearness be enough for you today, friend. Hugs from waaaay down south of the border.
Teresa says
Hi Michele! I am 37 days into your devotional (I Am: A 60-Day Journey to Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is). It has been a blessing for my summer morning quiet times. Some mornings (the rare ones when it’s not raining!) I lay out in the hammock and read it before my son wakes up. Your words point me toward the strength and encouragement of the Lord that I need for the day. Hope your A.C. is working soon!!
Michele Cushatt says
Ah, thank you, Teresa! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. I love spending summer mornings with you. xoxox
Wendy says
My friend, I live right here in Littleton, Colorado, and we did not get over 69 degrees on Sunday, July 15th, so I don’t know what “Denver” you are living in. We were blessedly cool on Sunday, with wonderful rain all afternoon and evening. So I’m praying you were able to throw open all your windows like I did and pull in the fresh cool air and wonderful breeze and enjoy!! We won’t be 100 this week! But we will be in the high 90’s on Wednesday and Thursday, so hang in there 🙂 Hugs!!
Michele Cushatt says
Hahaha. The day I wrote the post is NOT the same day it went live on (in)Courage. 🙂 If you remember, Denver tied the all-time record heat of 105 degrees on June 28, and that’s precisely when I wrote this post. And yes, I did in fact enjoy the rain and cool breeze this past Sunday. I’m glad you did, too! Nice to meet a local friend. 🙂
Ann Hudson says
Have you heard this song? It’s called Do It Again. (Elevation Worahip)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/do-it-again-live/1192789472?i=1192789624
Such a powerful declaration that speaks to the source of our confidence.
Jackie says
I came across this post in my inbox over lunch today.
I have been struggling with a dark season- the end of a 20 year marriage that took 3 years of hell to end. The overwhelming feelings of responsibility for my children’s complete care. Struggling with little things like how to put together the new weed whacker I had to buy and how to install new smoke detectors. I am lucky to have the career I have and the finanical security i have built but it’s very tough. i didn’t expect or desire to raise my children alone- this has thrown a wrench in my story and struggling to find “the glory” but this post helps today. The words..I will sweat but I won’t burn ..hit home…I am in a season of sweating, literally at the age of 50. I need God to help me and there are times I feel so lost and forgotten. I am grieving the life I wanted and thought I would have and now I start out alone…thanks for your words.