The internet site, www.fema.gov/safe-rooms, defines a safe room as “hardened structure specifically designed to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) criteria and provide near-absolute protection in extreme weather events, including tornadoes and hurricanes. Near-absolute protection means that, based on our current knowledge of tornadoes and hurricanes, the occupants of a safe room built in accordance with FEMA guidance will have a very high probability of being protected from injury or death.”  Safe rooms are becoming more common in new home construction.  They are indisputably a good idea as they provide enhanced safety to the home’s occupants.

Thankfully, Christians have a refuge that provides, not near-absolute, but absolute protection. This refuge provides protection, not from extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes, but from the more extreme events of life – events that challenge our faith and  test our hope.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” (Psalms 46:1-3)