Readings for today: Psalms 7, 27, 31, 34, 52
These words today hit different when you know David’s story. On the run. Hiding in the hills. Living out of caves in the wilderness. Constantly under threat. Always having to watch his back. This is where life finds David right now and what does he do? He sings. He composes songs to God. He sets his prayers to music. He hits on themes that will resonate among God’s people for centuries.
God is our refuge. We don’t place our hope in strongholds for they can be taken. We don’t place our hope in fortified cities for they can be overcome. We don’t place our hope in foreign kings and princes for they can be bought off. We don’t place our hope in our own strength or wisdom for we can falter and fall. God is our only sure refuge. He is the only one who can deliver us from those who pursue us, those who attack us, those seek to do evil to us. At the same time, to take refuge in the Lord is a fearful thing. It means we will be exposed, vulnerable, laid bare before Him. He will search our hearts to see if there is any wrong we have done. He will judge whether we have acted in righteousness towards those with whom we are at odds. David invites this judgment for he knows the Lord judges with righteousness. David has no fear for he has done nothing wrong. He has refused to take advantage of circumstances and situations to benefit himself. He is waiting on the Lord. He is confident God has good plans for him and will bring them to pass in His time.
Is God your refuge? Is God the one you run to when you are afraid? When feel under attack? When life is hard? When the future is uncertain? When you are experiencing conflict with those you love or those you serve? How does one make God a refuge? One follows the example of David. First and foremost, you pray. You pray honestly and openly. You pray not for your will but for the Lord’s will to be done in your life. You invite the Lord to scrutinize your life and judge the intentions of your heart. You draw close to the Lord. Wait on the Lord. Sit in silence and solitude before Him. No distractions. No alarms. No rush. You might even journal. Write down what’s on your heart. Perhaps even sing your prayers if you’re so inclined. Second, you trust. You believe. You cling to hope. Like David, you have faith the Lord hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. You may be facing many afflictions but the Lord’s promise is to deliver you from them all. Finally, you act. You act righteously and justly. You act graciously and mercifully. You act lovingly and compassionately. You humble yourself under God’s mighty hand and surrender your will and your way to Him. Walking with the Lord is what gives the godly their confidence.
Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 56, 120, 140, 141, 142