Refuge

*shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.: to take refuge from a storm.
*a place of shelter, protection, or safety.
*anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.

2 Samuel 22:3my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent men you save me.

Psalm 9:9The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 18:2The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 59:16But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

Psalm 118:8It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

Nahum 1:7The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,


So, this morning, I asked God to give me a word...speak to me. I woke up feeling overwhelmed by circumstances and things out of my control. I was starting to focus on so much junk that gets me down and oppressed. Over the last year, finances tends to be a "standard" thing the enemy uses to defeat and oppress us. Wondering how in the world we will make it and how to pay the bills. I know, in my head, that God will provide and that He honors obedience. I know that God does not direct and then abandon...that is not His heart.

But, my crazy feelings and emotions get in the way. But what if He doesn't? What if we go under and lose it all? What if we fall flat on our face?

So, I asked God to give me a word today...something I could hold on to and gather strength from...Refuge. Came across this word several times in a study I'm doing and in scripture. And the call was to worship God as my Refuge. Worship Him and praise Him for being my very present Help in time of trouble.

Worship? today? are you serious? When circumstances look grim...when finances are empty...when I am oppressed and feel defeated...worship? I guess this is where the faith/worship thing is so counter-human. It runs against everything that I want to do...I have to choose it.

So, this is my plan for today...worship God as my Refuge. This is the heart of my God. He will shelter and protect me. I must trust Him.

I think I will also memorize this verse...
Psalm 118:8: It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.