January 23rd
January 23
Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. (From Psalm 2:12)
Yes, He calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. Yes, we will need to make choices that may make our lives more difficult and may even cost us our lives someday. But we must take time to remember the benefits of being a Christ follower. One of those benefits is that we have a place of refuge. We are always able to hide ourselves in the shadow of His heart and take shelter from the storm. We CAN find refuge in Him despite our circumstances, should we choose to seek it. He offers us peace and comfort in the middle of the worst circumstances. We only need to reach out to Him and receive it.
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 57:1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear,though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 92:1-2 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 94:22 But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
Psalm 62:1-8 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down—this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
He is yearning to give us refuge and comfort. He wants to give us rest for our souls. He wants to, if only we will give all of our worries, fears, anxiety and weariness to Him. How often do we miss out on this benefit because we don’t seek it, we don’t let go of the emotions or worries. Let’s take advantage of what He wants to be to us this year. Let’s make a habit of casting our cares on Him and seeking refuge in Him.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus, remind me often that you are my refuge and that I can have peace in you no matter what I face. Help me to cast all of my worries on you and seek you. Show me how to seek you so that I can discover your presence in the storm. Show me how to be quiet with you and feel your presence and refuge. I want to experience all that you have for me, so help me to get myself out of the way. Thank you that you are my refuge and that you want to take care of me and comfort me. Thank you for your perfect love.