September 2, 2023

OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude

Psalms 46:1-3 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Only once in my life have I been in an earthquake. It was a horrible feeling of helplessness. I had flown late on a Sunday night to a meeting in another country and as I walked to my room, I felt the building begin to move. At first, I thought I was very tired and imagining things and then I realized something was happening. I went downstairs to the lobby, and everyone was in panic mode. The earthquake lasted only a few moments, but it seemed like an eternity. I remembered trying to sleep that night as tremors would come on and off. They were small but scary. I remember being in the ocean with my sons once when I got caught in the undertow of a strong current when trying to swim to shore. There was a moment of panic when I felt like I was being dragged under and didn’t have the strength to fight anymore. When I read this psalm I think of those moments. Moments when I felt the panic of losing control and facing something bigger than me. I also think of emotional moments when life seemed overwhelming—the death of my parents, a crisis with a family member, a financial issue that seemed impossible. The list could go on and on because I’ve lived a few years and could write about several times when things went crazy. But here is the good news—God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. As our refuge He is there to wrap His arms around us and hold us. God never said He would not allow problems to come into our lives. He did promise to be our refuge during the problems. A refuge is only helpful if you run into the refuge. God’s arms are open wide for those willing to choose Him as our refuge. He is also our strength. He gives us an internal strength to sustain us in the storms of life. When we run into His arms His Spirit within us will renew us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to be able to face whatever storm comes against us. We can draw from His strength because He is strong when we are weak. Have you ran into God’s open arms? He is waiting to be Your Protector, Provider, and Deliverer.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit I choose to run into Your arms today as my refuge. I will open myself up to Your strength in my mind, will, and emotions. I look to You as my strength.

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