Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for a peace at this time.

 

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Read

Psalm 91:9-16 (NRSV)

Because you have made the LORD your refuge,
the Most High your dwelling place,
no evil shall befall you,
no scourge come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.

When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble,
I will rescue them and honor them.

With long life I will satisfy them,
and show them my salvation.

 

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Reflect

Just a few weeks ago, we watched the Carolinas get blasted by the winds and rains of Hurricane Florence. The news and internet showed images and videos of people and animals being rescued while waters raged, and roads flooded. Homes were being destroyed. People were wading through the waters to the boats, carrying little on their back, seeking refuge however they could. Refuge. What does refuge mean to us – especially during a storm?

The Psalmist tells us what our lives are like when we are protected and under the wings of God. How confident we can be as children of God!

So, what is it that we can do with the assurance that God is our refuge? We can go forth with confidence and faith that when we are in trouble, we can call out to God. God will be there. We rise above the world and can be on a different level as God’s children. Most importantly, God has assured us of salvation.

What a wonderful gift our God has given us! Those who have been deeply impacted by Hurricane Florence have lost many material things. It is a sad thing that many things worked for are gone. However, the great thing one can possess is still there. And, that, my friends, is shelter as they weather the storm. God is our ultimate refuge. Salvation is ours.

 

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Pray

During the storms of life, we are confident, O God, in the ever-present refuge you have given to us. Thank you for the confidence we can have, knowing you are protecting us under your wings of salvation and love. Amen.

 

Go with God!