The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Sunday
May 4, 2008
The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have never
abandoned anyone who searches for you.
Sing praises to the Lord who reigns
in Jerusalem.
Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.
For he who
avenges murder cares for the helpless.
He does not ignore those who cry to
him for help.
Psalm 9:9-12
In the past couple of years, God has taught me what it means to "refuge" or "shelter" someone. When this is done for people they are provided with a safe place to stay and food. They are even offered the wisdom of the ones providing that safe place. However, when you "refuge" people, you don't control their lives. You simply offer them safety and wisdom ¾ if they want it.
Unfortunately, too many people don't want "refuge," much less wisdom, they either want to be controlled or to be in control. Very few people want to submit to the "rest" that refuge provides.
God is our refuge. He provides a safe place for us. He even offers to share His wisdom with us, but we have to be willing to submit to Him. God is pleased when we not only search for Him, but submit to Him as well. How about you? Have you submitted or are you still leaning on your own understanding and struggling to survive outside of His refuge?
Father, as we go about our day today remind us of just how close You are to us. Open our eyes Lord and help us to be a refuge used by You for the safety of a hurting heart.
