Sanctuary in the Storm by Bishop Fickett
WINTER 2025 ISSUE | 6 minute read
Sanctuary in the Storm
I was born in Bangor, Maine, and grew up in New England—where the most iconic image is that of a serene coastline crowned by a black-and-white lighthouse. The lighthouse marks the place where sailors, captains, and even humble fishermen must take notice, for hidden dangers lie beneath the waters if they drift too close to the cliffs. Yet that same light also marks the way home through the darkness of a dreary storm.
Having grown up among such people, I often saw how deeply they trusted the lighthouse's beam. No matter how fierce the storm outside, as long as the light was shining, they believed they would find their way home safely. The believer's storms in life are much the same. No matter how rough the seas or strong the wind, we can find refuge when the Light of Jesus is present.
The Winter of the Soul
With Christmas comes the full weight of winter—storms, wind, cold, and long nights. It's a season of unpredictable weather and shifting skies. Life often mirrors this: the storms are real, and the uncertainty of what comes next can shake us to our core.
So what can we do as believers during life's brutal seasons?
We can find comfort in the arms of God, as David did in Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." It is in these seasons that we rediscover that God is not only our deliverer from the storm but our dwelling place within it. He doesn't just calm the weather—He calms us.
A Shelter in the Time of Storm
When I read the Psalms, I am continually comforted by the reminder that we have an anchor for our souls—a sanctuary in the storm. The old hymn "A Shelter in the Time of Storm," written by Vernon J. Charlesworth in the 1880s, captures this truth beautifully. Its chorus declares:
"Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A shelter in the time of storm."
Those words—"a weary land"—could not better describe our present world. Weary is an understatement. Dr. James Emery White, in his Church and Culture blog (2022), called our era "The Age of Uncertainty." He writes that with the "age of uncertainty" comes an "age of anxiety," both coupled with a deep loss of trust. In such times, where do we turn for peace? Only to Jesus. He alone declared in John 16:33: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Peace in the Midst of Chaos
Is it possible to have a storm raging outside but peace within? Yes—absolutely yes. He is our Peace.
David again proclaims in Psalm 52: 8–9, "I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." That flourishing comes not because our circumstances are calm, but because God's peace is constant. His presence reminds us that the Maker of all things is working for our good. His peace doesn't always remove the storm—but it provides a sanctuary right in the middle of it.
Don't Lose Sight of the Light
Having been a child during the winter months in Maine, there were moments when I didn't listen to the voice of my parents calling me to come inside before the storm grew too fierce. The snow would fall thicker and heavier, and soon it became difficult to find my way home.
On a few of those occasions, I remember seeing the lights of home flickering faintly through the curtain of snow. I would whisper to myself, "Don't lose sight of the light." That light became my guide—my assurance that home was still there, waiting.
Whatever storm or trial you are facing today, may I remind you: don't lose sight of the Light. Jesus is that Light. He is your Rock in a weary land—your "shelter in the time of storm." Take comfort in knowing that no matter how fierce the wind blows, you have a sanctuary in your storm.
A Prayer for the Storm
As the seasons change and life feels like the deep winter of your soul, remember this: God is your ever-present help in the time of trouble. Pray this simple prayer: "Lord, when the winds rise, remind me that You are my sanctuary—not somewhere I run to, but Someone I rest in." This is our comfort and our peace. He is our Sanctuary in the Storm.
Reference:
Dr. James Emery White – "The Age of Uncertainty and Anxiety" (Church & Culture, 2022)
Bishop Chad Fickett
Youth & Discipleship Director
Virginia Church of God State Office