A Shelter in the Time of Storm: Meditations on God and Trouble [Paperback]

Paul David Tripp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 26, 2009

Fifty-two meditations on Psalm 27 instruct and encourage believers to worship God through the ups and downs of life.

Psalm 27 is a psalm of trouble and worship, of difficulty and beauty, of the evil of people against people, and of the mercy of God. Because of its honesty about life in this fallen world, Psalm 27 speaks into the life of every believer. At the same time it places joyful and self-sacrificing worship right next to the trouble that is the psalm's background theme. This juxtaposition makes Psalm 27 unique, interesting, practical, challenging, and encouraging.

A Shelter in the Time of Storm takes readers through this roller-coaster-ride of a psalm in fifty-two brief and engaging meditations. These meditations are designed to fill hearts with a patient hope that grows stronger as the trouble-spotted days go by. Reflection questions at the end of the chapter make these meditations thought-provoking and practical.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Paul Tripp writes out of the experience of his own suffering and his skill as a pastor/counselor in helping people through times of trouble. He knows what it is like to go through the storms of life, but more importantly, he knows where to find shelter. This book will help anyone who is hoping to find refuge."
—Philip Graham Ryken, President, Wheaton College

"Can one psalm really change your life? It can if you dig deeply enough. A Shelter in the Time of Storm is Paul Tripp at his finest-excavating Psalm 27 with clarity, potency, and straight-to-the-heart relevance. When troubles come knocking, do yourself a favor: let this book teach you how to treasure no less than 52 life-transforming truths from this grace-filled psalm."
—Dave Harvey, church care and church planting, Sovereign Grace Ministries; author, Rescuing Ambition

About the Author

PAUL TRIPP is the president of Paul Tripp Ministries, a nonprofit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." This mission leads Paul to weekly speaking engagements around the world. In addition to being a gifted communicator and sought after conference speaker with Paul Tripp Ministries, Paul is on the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he preaches on Sunday evenings and leads the Ministry to Center City. Paul is also professor of pastoral life and care at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas. He is the director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care in Fort Worth, Texas, and has taught at respected institutions worldwide. As an author, Paul has written eleven books on Christian Living that are read and distributed internationally, including Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands; War of Words; Broken Down House; and Crossway's Whiter Than Snow. He has been married for many years to Luella and they have four grown children. For more information and resources visit www.paultrippministries.org.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Crossway (March 26, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433505983
• ISBN-13: 978-1433505980
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Sacred Writings > Hebrew Bible (Old Testament)

More About the Author

Paul Tripp is the president of Paul Tripp Ministries (www.paultrippministries.org), a nonprofit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." This mission leads Paul to weekly speaking engagements around the world. In addition to being a gifted communicator and sought after conference speaker with Paul Tripp Ministries, Paul is the Executive Director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care in Fort Worth, Texas, and has taught at respected institutions worldwide. As an author, Paul has written many books on Christian Living that are read and distributed internationally. He has been married for many years to Luella and they have four grown children.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Penetrating and Hopeful Grace for Tough Times April 25, 2009

By David A. Vosseller VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

When a powerful storm comes, the best thing to do is to seek shelter - preferably a solid, secure and safe one! Paul David Tripp, a noted Christian author, pastor, and counselor, recognizes that what is true in nature, is also true in our lives. As we face the inevitable storms of life, we need to know where to seek shelter, and as believers, we know there is only one Biblical answer to that question. When trouble comes, we find our shelter in the Lord.

Tripp's new book, A Shelter in the Time of Storm: Meditations on God and Trouble, is a series of 52 meditations on various aspects of Psalm 27. This is not a verse by verse commentary, but rather a series of mediations that are designed to help the reader meditate on and apply the truths of this Psalm to their lives and circumstances. The author describes his approach to the Psalm this way:
"I have approached the psalm like a wood butcher. The wood butcher cuts into a log, looking for boards with a particularly interesting or elegant grain, and cuts them out like a meat butcher would do with a fine steak. Then he places them next to other boards of similar beauty and assembles them into a table, a chair, or a fine wooden box. He assembles the pieces intentionally to help others see their individual and collective beauty in a way they wouldn't without his eyes and his hands. I have cut into the log of Psalm 27 and pulled out themes of interesting and elegant grain and assembled them into a picture of how to live with hope in God in a world that is fallen." (pp.10).

I found his meditations on this psalm to be extremely encouraging, helpful and penetrating! Dr. Tripp's counseling experience has given him a great deal of insight about how our hearts and minds react in times of trouble, frustration and challenge.... This makes his writing feel both more personal and more convicting! For example: "It's very easy to take on an `I wish I were that guy' way of living. You can't give way to envy without questioning God's wisdom and love. Here's the logic: if God really loves you as much as he loves that other guy, you would have what the other guy has. Envy is about feeling forgotten and forsaken, coupled with a craving to have what your neighbor enjoys." (pp. 89). Each chapter also has one or two application (or `Take a moment' as he calls them) questions, and again, his background makes them more penetrating than most application questions I have read in other books.

One other thing I enjoyed about this book. A number of the meditations are written as poetry, which adds both variety and power to the overall impact of this book. In the meditation, "Two Words You Never Want to Hear" on Ps. 27:9 "Turn not your servant away in anger." he writes openly and honestly about the incredible comfort and joy he takes in knowing that no matter what, he will never hear God say: "Go Away!" In another, entitled, "The Worship of Another", he muses about the idolatry of his own heart and his worship of himself, and what that looks like: "I guess this all points me to one stunning reality. There is never a day when my life is idol-free. There is never a week when I don't give myself over to the worship of another. It is sad to say and humbling to admit, that the chief of these false deities is none other than me." (pp. 83).

This is a really wonderful book! As we face uncertain times of a failing economy, rising unemployment and a general anxiety about life, books like this are a wonderful reminder that God is in control, that He has a plan for our good (as defined by Him!), and that our hope is in God alone. "Trust in God isn't a thin hope in some not very sure outcome. Hope in God is rather a present investment in a future guarantee. What God says will be done. What God has promised will come to pass. His word is reliable because in his grace he wants to bless us, and in his power he has the ability to do anything he has promised to do. When you live with his promises in view, you live with confidence, courage, and unshakable hope." (pp. 97). I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book! Read one meditation a week if you like, and it will take you through the year. Each meditation is 2-3 pages long. Tripp is an excellent writer and a very Biblical thinker. Combine those two qualities and what you get in reading this book is Gospel-centered wisdom and analysis that really reveals our weakness and sin, and more importantly, shows God's mercy and provision for us. Do yourself a favor - pick up a copy! Read more ›

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenges August 31, 2009

By Kim Davies

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is poetic and challenges the thinking. The chapters are only 2-3 pages which is great for an early morning devotional. It really makes you think, but at the same time adds beauty to your life. Each chapter ends with two questions of very good application. I love this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very pleased January 27, 2010

By Debbi L. Schaefer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book was sent in a timely manner, in great condition. It's a wonderful book and is helping me deal with my everyday sin of Fear. I would highly recommmend it to anyone who wants to take on their fear. The author has a wonderful way of devotionalizing Psalm 27.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good March 25, 2013

By John M. McArthur, Jr.

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a great and encouraging study. I'm giving it away to church members going through times of personal crisis.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best March 10, 2013

By Tony

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Excellent. One of the best devotionals I have done. My wife and I enjoy doing it together. It's very thought provoking and has depth. It is not just a 1 minute quick thought for the day. I often times do the same one a few days in a row because there is so much insight and truth packed into each reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best devotion book ever! October 16, 2012

By djmitch

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book breaks down Psalm 27 in easy to read and understand daily devotions. You don't have to be in a "storm" to enjoy this book. Very meaty...no fluff.

4.0 out of 5 stars Small book, big content October 2, 2011

By G. La'mont

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Although this book is almost "booklet" in form, it has lots of biblical insights and spiritual meat for those who go through touch times. Paul David Tripp is one of my favorite authors who is not only known as a pastor but also a much in demand counselor and speaker. Taken from Psalm 27, he gives reflection, personal testimony, and wisdom with honest transparancy of hope and faith in Christ.I would not hestitate to give this book as a gift of encouragment to anyone who feels their circumstances are beyond remedy. I thought this would be a larger book but the smaller size and fewer pages can allow anyone to use as a quick reference or personal devotional especially for chaplains and ministers. I dont believe you will be dissapointed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ted's review on Tripp's Shelter in the Time of Storm January 13, 2011

By TWP

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an incredibly deep, insightful, and thought provoking set of lessons that can be learned from Paul Tripp's meditations on Psalm 27. It prompted me to buy two other books that he has written. He is obviously a man of great wisdom that springs from much time in and study of the Scriptures.