Day #187 - My Refuge

The Presence - A Devotional for living in Thanksgiving, Worship and Wonder

“Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Photo by Maël BALLAND on Unsplash

Where do you run for refuge when things get tough?

As a pastor, I’ve heard people describe their vice or addiction as a place of safety. As I’ve heard Leif Hetland say many times, “Pain seeks pleasure.” When we are in pain we turn can turn to negative behaviors that give us pleasure. When we are deceived by sin, we medicate our pain with things that cover our pain but don’t heal us or offer us true protection. When I’ve heard people longing to hold onto their bad habit or unhealthy relationship as if it is a refuge they something like, “but what would I turn to without this?”

The answer to what you turn to without that feel good thing in your life is JESUS! You turn to the Lord your God who is the ultimate refuge and deliverer. You need to see things that offer you pleasure but are ungodly as idols and false gods that cannot truly hold you, heal you or protect you from what is really going on in life.

You make God your refuge by forsaking all other places of refuge. You make God your refuge by spending time with Him in prayer. You practice His presence and He shields and protects You. He ministers to the needs of your heart. When He is your refuge, you are saved and delivered from all who pursue you.

David learned to sing these love songs to the Lord and the Lord gave David protection and deliverance from evil. You might not be seeking the same type of help that David needed, but these songs David wrote were written in deep times of need. No matter how dep your need is, you can run to Jesus as your refuge. You can will experience “the Presence” as you sing to the Lord and turn your affections towards Him.

Bill Johnson has often advised when you are facing discouragement or trials to read the Psalms until you find your own voice. You can find what you are going through in the Psalms or something that sounds like what you are facing in your emotions. Let these words and songs become your own prayers. Worship God and take refuge in Him.

Lord my God, You are my refuge. You are my hiding place. I forsake all lesser loves and refuges that give me false comfort. You save me and deliver me. I bring You songs and prayers to touch Your heart. There is no one like You. I love You! In Jesus name, amen.