October 28, 2009
The Lord Is Their Refuge
"You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge."
Psalm 14:6 (NIV)
Devotion:
When I read today's key verse, I thought about the people who contributed to the financial mess within our country this past year. These people lined their own pockets without concern for the ramifications of their choices. They knowingly deceived those who trusted them. They covered themselves, while leaving others exposed in the process. They were like the evildoers who frustrated the plans of the poor. Sadly, lot of us were left feeling poor - financially and spiritually - as our plans were frustrated.
Thankfully, this is not where the verse ends. Yes, bad things happen. Yes, we have all seen our private finances affected by this public crisis. But this verse reminds us that the Lord is our refuge. I started thinking about what the word refuge means, and found this definition in Webster's 1828 Dictionary: "That which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; any place inaccessible to an enemy."
Then I cross-referenced the word "refuge" in the Bible. I found many other scriptures that remind us that God is our refuge. Second Samuel 22:2-4 and Psalm 18:2-3 are the same verses repeated by King David while facing troubled times:
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior - from violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of my praise, and I am saved from my enemies."
I love how both the definition and the verse talk about a refuge being a place where your enemies can't get to you! Do you need that reminder today? I know sometimes I need to remember that He offers me that safe place I can run to … a place where my enemies can't touch me!
We can claim the promise that is found in Psalm 17:14: "O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world, whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children."
People who make money their god receive their reward in this life. But they will spend eternity in longing. That doesn't sound like a good trade to me!
God promises those who place their trust in Him He will keep from going hungry. He will make sure our children have plenty, and He will give us wealth to store up for our children. That doesn't mean wealth like our world defines it. Jesus said that He doesn't give as the world gives. In God's economy, wealth exists in hope, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control. Unlike money, these are the things that last, and bring about eternal blessings.
Do you need to take refuge in God instead of letting bad news rule your heart and mind? Do you need to spend time today searching His Word for promises and assurances that will comfort your hurting heart and settle your anxious mind? Maybe you need to journal your feelings, pouring out your heart to God and seeking His answers. Maybe you need to pray without ceasing, allowing His presence to give you rest from worry. Whatever troubles you, seek refuge in God.
He is right there waiting for you to find shelter and safety in Him.
Dear Lord, I need You to be my refuge. Thank You that Your Word promises You will be a refuge for me in times of trouble. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Listen to Lysa TerKeurst share on our radio show about the peace of Jesus.
Learning to Live Financially Free by Marybeth and Curt Whalen (for more resources by Marybeth, click here)
When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference by Carolyn Custis James
Visit Marybeth's blog - Cheaper by the Half Dozen
Application Steps:
Spend time journaling today what the word "refuge" means to you. Pour out your heart to God and tell Him you need Him to be your refuge. Write down some verses that bring you assurance and meditate on those verses when you feel anxious.
Reflections:
If you are going through a crisis, financial or otherwise, have you sought God as your refuge?
What false shelters do you find yourself seeking refuge in?
Power Verses:
Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength. An ever-present help in trouble." (NIV)
Isaiah 25:4a, "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat." (NIV)
© 2009 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Originally published Wednesday, 28 October 2009.
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