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In the Lord I Take Refuge
Hurting? Afraid? Not sure how to move forward?
In the world most of us live in, whether we’re in pain, afraid or unsatisfied, our cures and answers are just one click away. These are the top results from our friend, Google (search for these and you don’t even have to click a link!):
Search: How to get peace?
Result:
- Set limits
- Find a relaxation technique that works for you
- Don’t make mountains out of molehills
- Slow down
- Declutter your world, declutter your mind
Search: How to get out of depression?
Result:
- Aim for 8 hours of sleep
- Expose yourself to a little sunlight every day
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Care for a pet
Search: How to find yourself?
Result:
- Accept yourself above all else
- Perfect is not real
- Accept everything
- Be selfish
- Use everyone else as a mirror
Good intentions are here; Google’s algorithm wants to find your answers and solve your problems quickly.
If Google’s intentions are to help you, how much more would a friend, loved one or mentor want to give you good advice?
In the Old Testament, David’s peers see that his life is in danger. Isn’t it surprising that he would be put off by their seemingly helpful advice to flee?
His best friend, Jonathan:
“And Jonathan told David, ‘Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself…’” 1 Samuel 19:2
His wife, Michal:
“Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch him, that he might kill him in the morning. But Michal, David's wife, told him, ‘If you do not escape with your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.’” 1 Samuel 19:11
For David, fleeing may have spared the flesh for a little while longer, but he was seeking the Lord’s refuge.
“In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’” Psalm 11:1-3
What are you afraid of? Here are common fears of mine and my peers. Perhaps some are relatable:
“I’m afraid I’ll never find a husband.” Or wife.
“I’m afraid of not having an income.” Or the income I think I need/deserve.
“I’m afraid of not being accepted.”
Depending on who you share these fears with, you may hear something like this:
“Find one soon. Consider lower standards.”
“Work hard! Realign your priorities and make sacrifices to get there.”
“Accept yourself above all else, because those who can’t accept you for you don’t matter.”
Not only do these responses justify the fear (i.e. “You’re right. Not finding a husband is scary! Here’s an idea...”, etc.), but the solutions are focused on pride and feed man’s selfish nature. Scriptures give very different answers:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…” Matthew 6:33
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” Luke 6:22-23
Take refuge in Him.
“For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.” Psalm 11:7
Praise the Lord!
