God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of thousands of Gulf Coast residents found themselves taking refuge in shelters all over the United States. Three weeks later, Hurricane Rita, cut a new path of destruction through the Gulf Coast, forcing those who found refuge in Houston, and other areas near the coast to participate in yet another evacuation. Then on the heels of Rita came the wildfires in Southern California, the earthquake in Pakistan, and the mudslides in Guatemala, displacing even more families.
If you and your family have been displaced as a result of tragedy you may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, insecurity, uncertainty, and more. Or if you are facing death or disease you may feel like running for shelter … a place to hide. There is a place where anyone facing tragedy can go—a place that provides our spirits never-ending shelter from danger, and offers powerful strength to weather any storm life may bring our way. That place is in God. In Psalm 32:7, David says this of God, "You are my hiding place; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with songs of deliverance."
Though life is sometimes difficult and painful, when we take shelter in Him, His help is always ready, has been proven time and time again, and is completely reliable. In Psalm 62:7-8 (TLB), David wrote, "He is my refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust Him all the time. Pour out your longings before Him, for He can help!" Like David, you can take shelter in His protective presence. There you will find peace for today, strength for tomorrow, and hope for a brighter future.
Taking back your life …
- In Psalm 57:1-2 David prayed, "Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by. I will cry to God most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me." How can you use or apply this prayer to your circumstances today?
- How does it feel to know that you can find permanent shelter in God, where everything you need (peace, joy, strength, protection, hope, etc.) is provided?
- When you have some time. Open a Bible and read Psalm 91 to learn more about the blessings of taking refuge in God.
- Deuteronomy 33:27
- 2 Samuel 22:2-3
- Psalm 32:7
- Psalm 61:3-4
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