Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 6, 2017
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: ‘Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.’ Revelation 18:4
My soul can easily go to places of refuge that lack real peace, protection and refreshment. Worry is one of the suitors of my soul especially when I feel financial pressure at work or home. What if lose my job? What if my friend doesn’t understand? What if my health doesn’t allow me to work long enough to care for my family? Like a confused dog, worry causes me to chase my tail in circles only leading to dizziness and confusion as the outcome. Worry is a weak refuge, but trust in God trumps worry’s waste of time. He is our strong tower that towers over our fears.
Self reliance is another refuge that bids my attention when times are hard. My soul seeks to hide behind my hard work and determination, instead of dependance on my heavenly Father. My frantic pace forgets to go to God for His rest, wisdom and resources. Unless I fight for an unhurried rhythm of work, I run right past my ever-present help–my heavenly Father. My energy alone leaves me exhausted and lonely, but the Lord’s refuge replenishes and revives me.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Self pity is a refuge that feels good in the moment but becomes an incubator for anger. We get mad and say to ourselves, “If only other people would see things my way, the world would be a much better place to live.” We feel sorry for ourselves because we feel like no one really understands us. We are wise to remember it’s not about us, but God—our refuge is in Him.
How is your soul? Does it feel similar to a fried hash brown potato: scattered and smothered? Scattered, because so many people are pulling on you, smothered by your own unrealistic expectations or covered by Christ? Fortunately in each moment of the day, no matter how loud and loony, we can by faith create a sanctuary for our soul. We may close our office or bathroom door so we can close our eyes and look to the Lord in prayer. Perhaps we take a walk, so we can walk with our Savior and be empowered by His presence. God’s refuge is always near.
“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:2).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I seek refuge in Christ to restore my heart and renew my mind.Application
How can I by faith create a sanctuary for my soul to find rest and refuge in God?Related Reading
Psalm 142:5; Isaiah 33:16; Jeremiah 16:19; Nahum 1:7; Lamentations 3:57Post/Tweet today
Worry is a weak refuge, but trust in God trumps worry’s waste of time. #WisdomHunters #placesofrefugeWorship Resource
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I don’t know if the enemy is lying to you, telling you that this devotional is a waste of time, that it isn’t reaching anyone, that you’ll never make your financial quotas, etc. etc.. If he is, I’m writing today to inform you that this devotional has been a lifeline to me and that it has become a necessity each day. I read, and pray, and serve in ministry, but because of the confidential nature of an extremely stressful job, I am frequently isolated and struggle to find the Lord’s direction and confirmation. The devotional as you send always come at exactly the right time, and confirm or yell what the Lord has already been trying to tell me. Perfect example: this a.m. I read Rev. 18:4 and wondered why–then came an onslaught of depressing anxiety-producing thoughts which I barely escaped through prayer while claiming His grace through the Word and reminding myself that this kind of foolishness is unproductive. Then I checked my phone.😀
Today’s Wisdom Hunters, Rev. 18:4 “Worry is a weak refuge, but trust in God trumps worry’ waste of time”. YES, YOU WERE USED AGAIN BY THE LORD!!
Thank you for never giving up! My husband and I recently bought 3 of your books while visiting out of state. I prayed and left two of them in strategic locations in the home where we were staying and kept one. No one there is serving the Lord and visitors there are not serving the Lord. The Lord will use those books to His purposes there.
DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT QUITTING YOUR MINISTRY!!!! EVER!!!!!
Dear Karen,
THANK YOU so much. Your enthusiastic encouragement is a blessing to us and we are grateful that you took the time to reach out to us. Please know our Wisdom Hunter’s staff, including the authors of the devotionals, Boyd, Tripp and Shanna read your kind words.
We give all the Glory to God!
Thank you, too, for serving God as you serve others in your ministry. I can only imagine how HE must use your enthusiasm and faith as His “shining Light” to those around you.
We would love to hear from you again, Karen, so please keep in touch with us. We are grateful that you and your husband are part of the Wisdom Hunter’s family.
May God bless you in this new year.
Gwynne
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on tward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:23-24