The refuge you can trust

Refuge Refresh (Photo credit: Adam_Wood)

It is better to take refuge in the Lord 
than to trust in humans.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes. – Psalm 118:8-9

I have learned from different experiences in life to enjoy the moment. As my schedule fills up with various meetings and activities, I enjoy the relational aspect of these things. Relationships are important to me and know there is purpose in the people for whom I come in contact. I truly believe it takes a village to accomplish great things.

However, I have also learned that people can let you down. I know I have let others down throughout my life and that I have been let down. It’s part of human nature. No matter how perfect a person may seem, whether they are rich and powerful, or a spiritual mentor, at some point, they will show their humanness.

God is always a safe place to go. He can be trusted more than any human on earth. Depending on God is where we need to be and not on people. The Lord is a safe place.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being that safe place for me where I can run when life seems too hard to handle. You refresh my soul. Amen

Faith Tip: Think about the people you trust the most. They are God’s gift to you, but they don’t replace the ultimate value of the Giver.

In the presence of good things

Monroe School 1976-1977 Grade 4 Class Picture (Photo credit: carlamatic)

Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” – 2 Samuel 6:12

I remember walking into a new classroom as a child. I didn’t know anyone and it was frightening. It wasn’t until I made a friend or two that I felt okay. If I came to school and they weren’t there, the day was not as good. It was their presence that made the difference to me.

It’s the same, and better, with God. When he is in our life and we are active in building our relationship, our life is so much better. It is because of his presence that makes the difference to us. Plus he is always there … we don’t have to fear that he will be missing a day or two. He will always be there with us. Because of that truth, each day will be blessed for we are the temple of God and wherever he is, there are good things.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for never leaving me alone. I pray that I can share who you are in words and action. Amen.

Faith Tip: If you feel alone today, remember the presence of God is with you. Thank him for that.

Going up?

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I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. – Psalm 6:6-7

I’ve heard (sarcastically) a country song lists everything that is wrong in a person’s life from losing a job to losing a loved one, and that’s why they are depressed, alcoholic, drug user, etc. While it is true that hard things happen in peoples’ lives, it doesn’t give the right to remain on the cycle of sorrow throughout their lives blaming factors they feel give them the license to give up.

There is a time to mourn and grieve, but there is also a time to pick up and go on. God has not meant for us to lead a life of failure, but to have an abundant life. The key is in what we are following. Do we walk towards what the world says, or do we trust in what God says?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the guidance your Word gives to me. I pray that those times I feel like giving up that I will trust in what you say. Amen

Faith Tip: Have you been using a situation in your life for quite awhile as an excuse for your behavior? It’s time to bring that to a close and open up a life of freedom and purpose.

Delays to your destination

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“I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” – Psalm 119:60

I love driving and seeing the beautiful countryside. As a friend and I traveled to North Carolina for a conference this past week, we had an idea when we were supposed to arrive and were able to enjoy the ride as we rode around mountains, across bridges and flatlands. Through communication online, I learned that some who were making their way to the conference via airplane were struggling with arriving because of flight delays and cancellations. It was so frustrating for them to sit and wait for a response from the airlines that would get them to the place they needed to go. Nothing is happening as they sit and wait knowing that there is a lot of great activity going on at their destination.

Our response to God’s call can be like that. In delaying to answer the call, we are in limbo to what God has for us and it is frustrating. Nothing happens, yet there is activity going on at the destination of where God wants us to go. We need to break through whatever is holding us back in responding to God’s call for it is a command, not a request. There is beauty in traveling the journey of our call. We see the wonders of God’s handiwork and many times wonder why we didn’t answer the call earlier.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the call you have on my life. I pray that I will not delay in responding to what you want me to do. Amen

Faith Tip: What is God calling you to do today? Trust him and respond.

 

Prompted to praise

Image by The U.S. National Archives via Flickr

Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. – Luke 1:64

Danny laid in a coma in the hospital bed. His wife, Sheila, by his side continually talking to him to let him know she was there. She would pray over him. Friends and family would come and gather in prayer. The doctors were unsure of the outcome. The accident caused brain damage, but it was hard to measure how much. If he did come out of the coma, he may be unable to do many of the things he did before.

A few days later, Danny opened his eyes. Sheila took his hand and said, “Danny, how are you feeling?”

Danny looked at her and smiled, “I praise God for his goodness. I heard many of the prayers said, but I couldn’t respond, but God did.”

When we go through struggles in life, is the praise to God on our lips? Even when we don’t know the outcome of our struggle, we do know that God responds. The one who loves you and has total control will help you through—and will carry you if necessary.

Prayer: I praise you, Lord, for your continuing goodness. I pray that praise will always be on my lips for you. You are so worthy. Amen

Faith Tip: Struggling today? Start praising God and see how he responds.