Refuge
It’s summer time in the Sunshine State of Florida and ironically, this means rain and lots of it.
Earlier this week, the J Men and I walked into Target in moderate rainfall. And by the time we walked out of Target, the rain was so heavy, it was as if an ocean in the sky burst, creating a cascading waterfall from above. By the time we made it back to the car, we looked as if we had jumped in the pool. We were drenched from head to toe.
For my adventurous J Men, the rain has become an invitation to gather wood scraps from our past DIY builds and projects and build for themselves a shelter from the rain. They love to huddle together in their handmade wooden shelter with a blue tarp cover, with snacks and a flashlight while the rain falls all around and on top of them.
These boys have taught me so much about God and his everlasting kindness and care and their shelter from the rain is no exception.
Their refuge from the crazy hard Florida rain, equipped with flashlights and snacks, is such a reminded of the refuge God is for his people throughout all seasons and storms of life.
The Bible tells us that the Lord is our refuge.
It’s far too easy to read that truth in scripture, check the box of our daily Bible reading and move on to other things quickly and without slowing to reflect on and consider what the Lord is my refuge actually means for us throughout our busy days.
David said it this way, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) What an incredible gift extended to us daily.
When I consider the Lord my refuge, I picture the J Men under their blue tarp with light and snacks. I am reminded that the Lord is our protection on all sides, he’s present with us in all things and he’s our light and our provider.
The struggles and metaphorical storms we come head on with regularly are no match for the Lord. He is the author of all and literally holds the world in his hands. He is above and before all things. And because he is in control and sovereign over all things, he can be trusted. He was David’s refuge thousands of years ago and he is our refuge today.
Where do you need him to be your refuge today? Where do you need his protection, provision and presence? Talk his ear off about all of it. Give him the weight you’re carrying today. Afterall, he already has it handled for his glory and your good. He cares deeply for you.
Friend, I’ll leave you with my favorite prayer in all of scripture. “Lord, we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) May it be so with us all today and forevermore.