Refuge

I believe everyone needs a place of refuge fairly often in his or her life. This is defined as “a condition of being safe or sheltered pursuit, danger or trouble”. I often think of my home as a refuge from the everyday pressures of job performance or job requirements. At home, I’m simply Dad and husband. It’s a safe place to relax and know that my value is dependent all these other factors. There are always people who are envious or jealous of something I’ve done or I’m doing. There are people who want to see me fall on my face. I simply can’t dwell on this thought or on these people. I have lots of people who love me; who trust me; who need me to work for them. I’ve learned that the negative naysayers will always have a presence in the world, but I don’t have to give them a vote when it comes to my attitude and outlook!

King David was hiding in a dark, dank cave while fleeing King Saul. He probably wrote this Psalm with one of his men holding a torch. He needed the Lord and wasn’t bashful about crying out to the Lord for refuge. Check this out….

1 I cry aloud to the Lord;


    I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.

2 I pour out before him my complaint;


    before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me,


    it is you who watch over my way.


In the path where I walk


    people have hidden a snare for me.

4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;


    no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;


    no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, Lord;
 

   I say, “You are my refuge,


    my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry,


    for I am in desperate need;


rescue me from those who pursue me,


    for they are too strong for me.

7 Set me free from my prison,


    that I may praise your name.


Then the righteous will gather about me


    because of your goodness to me. (Psalm 142:1-7 NIV)

 

I can’t imagine my life without the Lord’s Presence. I find refuge in Him all the time…during my daily routines and work. I don’t have to go somewhere to find refuge in Him – He comes to me. He walks with me. I value His Presence even when I’m not struggling. I value His Presence in the victories as well as the midst of the struggle. I find incredible, undeniable strength when I lean into Him and trust Him as my Refuge!

Pressing On!

Dwayne