Refuge

January 9th – Psalm 61:2

Psalm 61:2

When storms rage and the flood waters rise, the wisest advice is always to seek higher ground. Because the higher we climb, the more distance we put between us and the howling winds, the safer we become. And there’s no safer place to be than sheltered in the tent of the Lord. During times when we feel overwhelmed, we have the privilege of sheltering in the refuge of God. With everything happening in the world today, it’s easy for our hearts to become overwhelmed. And although we have no control over what happens around us, we can control how we react. We can either cower and hide, living a life of worry and fear. Or we can trust in God who promises that those who put their faith in Him and not the world, can dwell forever in His fortress of peace and joy.

January 9th – Psalm 61:2 Read More »

January 5th – Psalm 31:14-15

Psalm 31:14-15

Sadly, as long as there is sin there will be suffering. And this side of heaven we may not understand the reason behind God letting it in our lives. But like David, we can trust that no matter what we endure, God always has a purpose for our pain. I think of Jesus. Satan appeared before Him in the wilderness and offered Christ the crown without the Cross. (Matthew 4:8) Jesus could have walked away from the cup of agony He was about to drink. But instead He chose to His Father’s will done, no matter the cost. And because of what Jesus endured, we are now blessed with the gift of eternal life. We will all have painful times. But our future is held securely in the hands of the One who controls the storms. And God will be there as our impenetrable fortress every step of the way. So trust in His perfect wisdom. And cling to His beautiful promise to, “Comfort all who mourn, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called oaks of righteousness.” (Is. 61:3)

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January 2nd – Psalm 34:8

Psalm 34:8

We’ve all heard the expression, the proof is in the pudding. That’s why David doesn’t want us to just take his word that God is good. To be content in just admiring God from afar. Instead David wants us to taste and see for ourselves. To  experience, like him, the peace, love, and security that can be found in the Lord alone. So just what is God’s goodness? David tells us that for all who take refuge in Him, God will care for our every need. Never will we want for any good thing. But instead truly enjoy life and see good days. In His goodness our Father will hear our cries, and save us from our enemies. For He is near to the broken-hearted, comforting our crushed and hurting spirits. And from His great love, God redeems our souls, and condemns the wicked. All who taste of His goodness will see that the Lord is good and know His provision!

January 2nd – Psalm 34:8 Read More »

December 26th – Psalm 46:10

Psalm 46:10

The phrase “be still”, comes from the Hebrew word, “raphah.” Translated it means to relax, cause yourself to let go, or to let yourself become weak. And although it seems counterintuitive, it’s only when we deliberately surrender all to God, our fears, worries, and hurt, can we really take control of any situation. For as Isaiah 30:15 tells us, “in quietness and trust is your strength.” When we put God in charge, following instead of leading, we are free to walk through every circumstance with an inner quietness only He can provide. Why? Because just like Moses told the Israelites, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Ex.14:14) I once heard a minister say that when we fight instead of surrender we are actually sinning against God. For we might not only be fighting a battle which is the Lord’s, but fighting against the Lord Himself! So be still and leave the fighting to God. For He is our refuge and our safe port in every storm!

December 26th – Psalm 46:10 Read More »

Ruth – Finding Refuge Under The Wings of God

The famine had taken many lives, and was growing more severe. And with the death of her husband, things for Ruth were going from bad to worse. All of the men in the family had passed, including her own husband, leaving only Ruth, her mother-in-law Naomi, and her sister-in-law, Orpah. …

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October 19th – Psalm 91:4

Psalm 91:4

God’s Promises – “I will cover you with My feathers and protect you with My wings.”

We all need a refuge. But sadly, in times of trouble, some seek comfort through alcohol, drugs, food, relationships, or money. But these worldly sanctuaries are nothing more than paper houses that crumble at the first sign of an approaching storm. Yet those who take shelter in Jesus, have an unshakable refuge which can withstand even the greatest typhoon. Isaiah 40:31 compares God’s loving care to that of an eagle. Mighty warriors who protect their young, eagles carry their eaglets away from danger. They fly high above the clouds where the sun shines and no storm rages. Just like that eagle, God carries us on His wings providing all we need to soar through even the toughest of times. And from His unending faithfulness, when we abide in God, we are completely protected under His shelter of strength, love, and grace. And I can think of no safer place to be!

October 19th – Psalm 91:4 Read More »

November 28th – Deuteronomy 33:27

Deuteronomy 33:27

We are all searching for a port in the storm. A place of safety and refuge. And a place to call home. For Christian’s we have that in the secret place of God’s presence. He is our mighty fortress, and our dwelling place is underneath His everlasting arms. We know the earth is only our temporary home, and our hearts long to be with the Lord forever. The Israelites wandered for forty years in search of their new home. And through Moses, God brought them to the promised land. Yet even during their journey, God reminded them that He was their dwelling place. And no matter where they settled, He would always be their truest home on earth. The same goes for us. Until God calls us to eternal destination in heaven, He is our safe harbor, security, and sanctuary in this world. So we can rejoice and give thanks. For no matter where we wander, God is always our true north, and in Him alone can we find our forever home.

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May 11th – Psalm 25:20

Psalm 25:20

Being a Christian comes with a target on our backs. Because the moment we announce that we follow Jesus, people start watching. They want to see if our words line up with our deeds. And there are some who wait in the wings to watch us fall. Gleefully they use the opportunity to mock both us and God. But for those who abide in the Lord and make Him their refuge, there is no shame to be found.  For God is steadfast in love and faithfulness. And in His perfect, unmerited grace, He delivers us from our enemies and silences the critics.

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May 5th – Psalm 46

Psalm 46

We all need a refuge. But sadly, in times of trouble, some seek comfort through alcohol, drugs, food, relationships, or money. But these worldly sanctuaries, are nothing more than paper houses that crumble at the first sign of an approaching storm. Yet those who find comfort in Jesus, have an unshakable refuge which can withstand even the greatest typhoon. The world may crumble around us, but the foundation of the Lord never will. And when we abide in Him, we are completely protected by His strength, love, and grace. And there’s no safer place to be than in God’s bunker!

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November 30th – Psalm 31:19

Psalm 31:19

Being called children of God comes with some pretty amazing perks. Not only does it offer the promise of an eternal life spent in His presence, God also promises wonderful things for those who receive Jesus as their Savior. In His goodness, God takes great joy in pouring out his storehouse of love and blessings on those He calls His own. And out of His unmerited grace, the Lord offers each of us protection from this world under His mighty wing. To God alone goes the praise and thankfulness for His love and mercy.

 

November 30th – Psalm 31:19 Read More »