When the world seems overwhelming, or our relationships are conflicted, or we’re fearful about our future or regretful of our past, we want to retreat. We want to take refuge in a safe place where all that troubles us will be silenced or forgotten.
People of faith have always sought refuge in God. The holy texts of every faith tradition affirm the safety that is to be found in the Holy One, and it is to that safety we cling when life seems larger than our capacity to make sense of it. The word refuge actually means a place to flee back to. It is a descriptive definition because it is so real to us. We know what it is like to feel viscerally the need to “flee back to” the place where we are free from harm, where we are as protected as a fledgling sparrow under her mother’s wing.
I can relate with Psalmist David and no matter what I face or how I feel I can always find hope, comfort, joy and peace because David went through it and came out victorious.
I love the book of psalms for several reasons but here are my top 2.
#1 I love how honest Psalmist David is.
If he’s sad, we know it. If he’s overwhelmed, he painfully expresses it. If he’s fallen into sin, he readily admits it. And somehow in his honesty I see myself. And I am encouraged to practice the same kind of honesty because deep down I intuitively know that there is freedom with this kind of honesty.
#2 The Unreliability of my Feelings
We can’t trust our feelings. One minute we’re high on praise, and the very next we’re wondering where God is when we need Him. If you’ve ever felt like you’re spiritually bipolar, then you might agree that no one expresses this see saw of emotions like the Psalmist does and in doing so somehow gives me the freedom of knowing that we are not alone. That God understands. That there is yet hope for me. There is hope you. There is hope for our nation.
O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me… — Psalm 7:1
Today, who or what is pursuing you? Is it a past mistake? Is it an old enemy? Is it your conscience? Is it a nagging sense of guilt? Is it someone who wants to do you physical harm? Is it a physical illness? In the middle of all the storms and struggles of life, where do you go to find peace and security? There is only One who can be a true and lasting refuge. Just One! His Name is JESUS!
Father God, you are my refuge and source of strength when my courage is gone and my soul is weary. Please, dear Father, destroy all the forces and powers and enemies that pursue me and seek to take me captive and draw me away from you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Do you have a favorite psalm? Do share!
