Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 71:1-6
71:1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
71:2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
71:3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
71:4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
71:5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
71:6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you.
Reflections
Whenever I think about the words “refuge, fortress and rock” I always think about a place that is so incredibly safe. A place that cannot be easily moved or stepped upon. A place that I go and hide, my fears are put an ease and I am able to find peace.
That is the kind of picture that the Psalmist is painting for us when we find our security and hope in Jesus Christ. The Psalmist here is recognizing the fact that from when he was a child to the present time, God has always faithfully been and will continue to be the number one source of comfort. There is the indication of a deep and loving relationship that God has with His children and the bottom line is that God knows our hearts and Has masterfully planned out each day with just enough Grace to make it through.
There will be moments in life when we ask ourselves the question of is all this worth it? When will the trail end? Rest assured that when we dwell in the safe and loving arms of our Lord, even the hard times will not bring us down. We can find peace and rest in the toughest of storms because our God will provide an immovable and secure shelter.
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
Lyrics by: Ryan Stevenson
In times of trouble where to we turn? Are we seeking the refuge of the Lord or are we trusting in the security that man has to offer? Are we turning to God when times are difficult? The Psalmist who penned psalm 71 (most likely David) demonstrates for us that when we are in difficult circumstances that God is our source of salvation and refuge.
He who is powerful enough to make the heavens and the earth is powerful enough to deal with whatever crisis you are facing. The God of this universe is neither surprised or threatened by the problems of evil in this world. He created all of it with the words of His mouth. With a single glance God can flip the world upside down. Nothing is too big for God. He is our strength and He is our source of help when we are in need. Nothing can stand against the almighty. Nothing comes even close.