“Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,” (Psalm 7:1 NIV)
We all need someone we can count on in life. God is the One who never lets us down. Friends don’t always answer the phone when you call, but God does. He gives us rest from our enemies. He gives us refuge from the storm. He always has an answer. He always has a way forward. But what does refuge in God look like in our lives?
For me, refuge in God is turning to His word. When I was younger, I didn’t have a daily Bible reading plan like I do now. But whenever life was going crazy, I would find a Bible and open it. I would read whatever page I found and see if God had a word for me. He always did. I always found something in my random selections that applied to my situation. I don’t know how many times this happened, but I know each time drew me back to God’s word again. Now I take refuge in His word daily. God’s word fortifies me for the day ahead.
God’s word fortifies me for the day ahead.
No one knows what lies ahead. We know the battles of yesterday, but not the battles of today. Fighting the good fight seems exhausting at times. The lies of this world are overwhelming. Heartache is everywhere. Someone is always doing something awful to someone. I get prayer requests for heart wrenching events which make me feel helpless. I need God’s word to keep me going. I need His place of refuge to maintain my sanity.
God’s refuge also keeps me grounded. When the world makes me feel crazy, God’s word makes me feel sane. His promises hold true time and time again. Memorizing scripture helps me have a ready reply. When I’m dealing with a particularly stressful situation, I find a scripture that applies to it. I write the words down, and place them somewhere I will see them often. Above my desk, I have scriptures and notes taped to the walls, reminding me of God’s goodness. His word is my refuge.
“When I am afraid I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4 NIV)
People hurt us. We hurt people. The vicious circle only stops when we take refuge in God. When we give our hurts to Him instead of taking them out on an unsuspecting victim, we find refuge. God’s promises are true. In Him we can trust.
God’s in charge of your problems today. Take refuge in Him. Let Him run the world, while You enjoy His peace.
Question of the Day:
What’s stopping you from taking refuge in God?
Further Reading:1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40 NIV, Acts 27:1-20 NIV, Psalm 7 NIV, Proverbs 18:22 NIV
