God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
My soul can easily go to places of refuge that lack real peace, protection and refreshment. Worry can easily be one of the suitors of our soul especially when we feel financial, relational, and pressure at work or home. Worry will have us ask questions like: What if I lose my job? What if my friend doesn’t understand? What if my health doesn’t allow me to work long enough to care for my family? Like a confused animal, worry causes us to chase our tail in circles only leading to dizziness, confusion and us looking silly to others as the outcome. Worry is a weak refuge, but trust in God trumps worry’s waste of time. He is our strong tower that towers over our fears.
Self-reliance is another refuge that bids our attention when times get or are hard. Our soul seeks to hide behind our hard work and determination, instead of dependance on our heavenly Father. Our frantic pace forgets to go to God for His rest, wisdom and resources. Unless we fight for an unhurried rhythm of work, we run right past our ever-present help in the time of trouble our Heavenly Father. Our energy alone leaves us exhausted, frustrated, and lonely, but the Lord’s refuge replenishes, strengthens and reminds us of His support and hand on our lives. The refuge of self-reliance lacks the Lord’s loving help and creativity.
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14).
Self-pity is a refuge that feels good in the moment but becomes an incubator for anger. We get mad and say to ourselves, “If only other people would see things my way, the world would be a much better place to live.” We feel sorry for ourselves because we feel like no one really understands us. We are wise to remember it's not about us but God. Our refuge is in Him. Self-pity gives way to death of self and life in Christ. We look outwardly to help others, when inwardly we’ve been helped by the Lord. He is accessible and available to strengthen our souls.
How is your soul? Does it feel similar to a Waffle House hash brown: scattered, smothered and covered? Scattered, because so many people are pulling on you? Smothered by your own unrealistic expectations or covered by Christ? Fortunately in each moment of the day, no matter how loud and chaotic, we can by faith create a sanctuary and refuge for our soul. We may close our office or bathroom door so we can close our eyes and look to the Lord in prayer. Perhaps we take a walk, so we can walk with our Savior and be empowered by His presence. God’s refuge is always near.
“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:2).
Self-reliance is another refuge that bids our attention when times get or are hard. Our soul seeks to hide behind our hard work and determination, instead of dependance on our heavenly Father. Our frantic pace forgets to go to God for His rest, wisdom and resources. Unless we fight for an unhurried rhythm of work, we run right past our ever-present help in the time of trouble our Heavenly Father. Our energy alone leaves us exhausted, frustrated, and lonely, but the Lord’s refuge replenishes, strengthens and reminds us of His support and hand on our lives. The refuge of self-reliance lacks the Lord’s loving help and creativity.
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14).
Self-pity is a refuge that feels good in the moment but becomes an incubator for anger. We get mad and say to ourselves, “If only other people would see things my way, the world would be a much better place to live.” We feel sorry for ourselves because we feel like no one really understands us. We are wise to remember it's not about us but God. Our refuge is in Him. Self-pity gives way to death of self and life in Christ. We look outwardly to help others, when inwardly we’ve been helped by the Lord. He is accessible and available to strengthen our souls.
How is your soul? Does it feel similar to a Waffle House hash brown: scattered, smothered and covered? Scattered, because so many people are pulling on you? Smothered by your own unrealistic expectations or covered by Christ? Fortunately in each moment of the day, no matter how loud and chaotic, we can by faith create a sanctuary and refuge for our soul. We may close our office or bathroom door so we can close our eyes and look to the Lord in prayer. Perhaps we take a walk, so we can walk with our Savior and be empowered by His presence. God’s refuge is always near.
“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:2).
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