I wonder what helps you feel sheltered?
An umbrella doesn't stop the rain from falling. It doesn't change the weather or make the storm disappear. But it does give us a little place of shelter right in the middle of it. I think that's a helpful picture of what life with Jesus can be like.
Following Jesus doesn't mean we won't experience hard things. We still have worries, disappointments, difficult relationships, and seasons when life feels overwhelming. But Scripture reminds us again and again that God is our refuge. He is present with us, caring for us even when our circumstances don't change.
Today we're going to draw a simple umbrella and spend some time wondering about what it means to find shelter in Jesus.
Draw or paint a simple umbrella, or use this coloring page.
As you draw, hold this wondering:
What helps me feel sheltered?
Wondering with Jesus
As you work, you might wonder:
Where do I feel most safe and sheltered?
Who are the people through whom I experience God's care?
What helps me remember that Jesus is with me when life feels difficult?
Is there an area of my life where I'm longing for shelter right now?
I wonder what it means for God to be my refuge?
I wonder how Jesus is caring for me in this season?
Is there something I would like to bring to Jesus and ask him to hold with me?
You don't need to answer every question. Notice if one catches your attention and stay with it for a little while.
A Kid-Friendly Version
Invite kids to draw and decorate an umbrella.
They can make it as colorful or silly as they'd like. Maybe it's a rainbow umbrella, an umbrella covered in stars, or one big enough to shelter an elephant!
As they color, you might wonder together:
What does an umbrella do?
Where do you like to go when you want to feel safe?
Who helps you feel loved and cared for?
What do you like to do when you're feeling worried or afraid?
I wonder how Jesus takes care of us when things are hard?
You could also read Psalm 46:1 together: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Finding Shelter in Jesus
Throughout Scripture, God is described as our refuge, our hiding place, and our shelter. Psalm 91:4 gives us a beautiful picture of God's care:
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge."
I love that image of being gathered close. Sometimes we think that trusting Jesus means we should feel peaceful all the time. But finding refuge in God doesn't mean we never feel afraid or overwhelmed. It means we have somewhere to bring those feelings. We can come to Jesus with our worries, our questions, our disappointments, and our needs. We don't have to pretend the rain isn't falling.
And sometimes God's care reaches us through very ordinary things: a friend who checks in, a quiet place to rest, someone who prays with us, or a moment when we remember that we aren't alone. Part of practicing God's presence is learning to notice those places of shelter and receive them as gifts.
A Closing Invitation
When your umbrella is finished, take a moment to look at it. As you sit quietly with Jesus, you might ask:
Jesus, where are you offering me shelter and care right now?
And perhaps:
What would it look like to receive your care instead of trying to manage everything on my own?
Stay with Jesus for a little while, noticing whatever comes.
If you feel comfortable, I’d love to see what you create. When I share these prompts, I’ll always try to share what I’ve made too. Tag me on Instagram or comment below with a photo or reflection.